1986 Ferrari Testarossa vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa (385 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. (240 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1986 Ferrari Testarossa.
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, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa (500 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ferrari Testarossa has manual transmission. 1986 Ferrari Testarossa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ferrari Testarossa | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Testarossa | 500 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4943 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2940 mm |
