1981 Ferrari 400 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 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 82 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 66 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 400.
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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ferrari 400 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 400 | S |
Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4823 cc | 3199 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 310 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 392 Nm | 315 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
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 | 1896 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5120 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 70 L |