1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 1980 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 Ferrari 550.
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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 1980 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 550 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 4821 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 120 L |
