1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, both 1979 Ferrari 400 and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,822 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1979 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. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4822 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2940 mm |
