1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. (326 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 513 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 512 BBi | 500 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4971 cc |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 70 L |
