2004 Ferrari F430 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2004 Ferrari F430 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 4,307 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ferrari F430 (483 HP) has 349 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2004 Ferrari F430.
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, 2004 Ferrari F430 (474 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 2004 Ferrari F430 has manual transmission. 2004 Ferrari F430 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ferrari F430 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4307 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 483 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 474 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 315 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 108 L | 72 L |
