2005 Ferrari 360 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Ferrari 360 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,585 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ferrari 360 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ferrari 360 (400 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ferrari 360 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 160 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Ferrari 360 (373 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Ferrari 360 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ferrari 360 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 360 | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3585 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 85 L |
