1980 Ferrari 512 BB vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 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 53 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 512 BB will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Ferrari 512 BB has manual transmission. 1980 Ferrari 512 BB will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 512 BB | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 512 BB | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3498 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 90 L |
