1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 156 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 512 BBi | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 6200 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2766 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 66 L |
