1998 Ferrari 456M vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 456M is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 456M (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 456M should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 456M weights approximately 60 kg more than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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, 1998 Ferrari 456M (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari 456M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 456M | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 456M | 450 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 90 L |
