1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1949 Porsche 356
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 400 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1949 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1949 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 1038 kg more than 1949 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 1949 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1949 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1949 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Porsche |
| Model | 400 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 79 L |
