1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1996 Ferrari F355
To start off, 1996 Ferrari F355 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (377 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 468 kg more than 1996 Ferrari F355.
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 (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ferrari F355. (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ferrari F355. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari F355 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 | 1996 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 400 | F355 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 377 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.1:1 |
| 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 82 L |
