1996 Audi S6 vs. 1978 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1996 Audi S6 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 400 (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Audi S6. (322 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi S6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1996 Audi S6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Audi S6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ferrari 400. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi S6 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Ferrari 400 (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi S6. (400 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi S6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi S6 | 1978 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | S6 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.6:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 120 L |
