1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 33 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 450 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4822 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 90 L |
