2005 Ferrari 612 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 Ferrari 612 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,752 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Ferrari 612 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ferrari 612 (533 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 348 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ferrari 612 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ferrari 612 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1979 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, 2005 Ferrari 612 (589 Nm) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm). This means 2005 Ferrari 612 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ferrari 612 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 612 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 533 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 589 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2940 mm |
