1985 Ferrari 400 vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1985 Ferrari 400 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. (177 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1985 Ferrari 400.
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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (432 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ferrari 400 | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4822 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 432 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 120 L |
