1980 Ferrari 512 BB vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 512 BB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 512 BB would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (231 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1980 Ferrari 512 BB.
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, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB (460 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 512 BB will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 512 BB | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 512 BB | 300 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2962 cc |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2810 mm |
