1980 Ferrari 400 vs. 2009 Ferrari California
To start off, 2009 Ferrari California is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,821 cc (12 cylinders), 1980 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2009 Ferrari California.
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 Ferrari California (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 400 | 2009 Ferrari California | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 400 | California |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4821 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 78 L |
