1981 Ferrari 400 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 28 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (460 Nm) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 400. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 400 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 62 L |
