1981 Ferrari 400 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 400 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1981 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 400 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2940 mm |
