1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2000 Ferrari 550
To start off, 2000 Ferrari 550 is newer by 21 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 5,473 cc (12 cylinders), 2000 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 128 kg more than 2000 Ferrari 550.
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, 2000 Ferrari 550 (597 Nm) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (412 Nm). This means 2000 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 2000 Ferrari 550 has manual transmission. 2000 Ferrari 550 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 | 2000 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 400 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 5473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7250 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 597 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| 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 | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
