1985 Ferrari 400 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 18 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 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 59 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (247 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 2003 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ferrari 400 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4822 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 88 L |
