1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 30 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 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 75 kg more than 1979 Ferrari 400. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (630 Nm) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 507 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 80 L |
