1984 Ferrari Testarossa vs. 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1984 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa (386 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ferrari Testarossa weights approximately 826 kg more than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. 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, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa (490 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1984 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ferrari Testarossa | 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | Testarossa | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 386 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 275 km/hour | 257 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 115 L | 88 L |
