1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 220 kg more than 1979 Ferrari 400.
Because 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ferrari 400. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 4264 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 88 L |
