1988 Ferrari 412 GT vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ferrari 412 GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ferrari 412 GT would be higher. At 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 412 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (340 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT weights approximately 660 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ferrari 412 GT is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Ferrari 412 GT. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (140 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 412 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 412 GT | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 GT | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 54 L |
