1990 Ferrari 412 GT vs. 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1990 Ferrari 412 GT is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 4,941 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 Ferrari 412 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ferrari 412 GT (340 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ferrari 412 GT should accelerate faster than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ferrari 412 GT weights approximately 1205 kg more than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Ferrari 412 GT (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1990 Ferrari 412 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ferrari 412 GT | 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 412 GT | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 88 L |
