1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 19 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi.
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 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 512 BBi | 230 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2308 cc |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 64 L |
