1981 Ferrari 400 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 15 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 Ferrari 550.
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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 400 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 400 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 114 L |
