2000 Ferrari 550 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2000 Ferrari 550 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 2000 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ferrari 550 (478 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (174 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 2000 Ferrari 550 (588 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ferrari 550 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 478 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 588 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 90 L |
