2003 Ferrari 360 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2003 Ferrari 360 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ferrari 360 (420 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ferrari 360 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2003 Ferrari 360.
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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ferrari 360. (374 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ferrari 360. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2003 Ferrari 360 has manual transmission. 2003 Ferrari 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ferrari 360 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 360 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3586 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 90 L |
