1985 Ferrari 400 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (240 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 340 kg more than 1985 Ferrari 400.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Ferrari 400. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (616 Nm) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ferrari 400. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ferrari 400 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 616 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 90 L |
