1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 238 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ferrari 400 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 400 | CLS |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4823 cc | 4663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 310 HP | 402 HP |
Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 392 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1973 kg | 1735 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 80 L |