1985 Ferrari 400 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1985 Ferrari 400. (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1985 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 210 kg more than 1985 Ferrari 400. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ferrari 400. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1985 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1985 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ferrari 400 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 88 L |
