1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 31 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 7 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 332 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 97 L |
