1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 400 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 358 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1973 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 95 L |
