1985 Ferrari 400 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1985 Ferrari 400 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,822 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1985 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ferrari 400 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4822 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 90 L |
