1987 Ferrari Testarossa vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,943 cc (12 cylinders), 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (385 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (500 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1987 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1987 Ferrari Testarossa has manual transmission. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ferrari Testarossa | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Testarossa | 450 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4943 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3250 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 | 1530 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2970 mm |
