1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 32 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 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 703 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ferrari 400 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ferrari 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | A |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1973 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 54 L |
