1987 Ferrari Testarossa vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 228 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 20 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 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ferrari Testarossa | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Testarossa | S |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4943 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2870 mm |
