1981 Ferrari 400 vs. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 412 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (340 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT weights approximately 55 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 400. 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, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (451 Nm) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 1988 Ferrari 412 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 400 | 1988 Ferrari 412 GT | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 400 | 412 GT |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| 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 | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 120 L |
