1983 Ferrari 400 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1983 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (254 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 400. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1983 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1983 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 400 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | S |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 90 L |
