2006 Alpina Roadster vs. 1978 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2006 Alpina Roadster is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 400 (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2006 Alpina Roadster. (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alpina Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 435 kg more than 2006 Alpina Roadster. 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, 1978 Ferrari 400 (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alpina Roadster. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alpina Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina Roadster | 1978 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Alpina | Ferrari |
| Model | Roadster | 400 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 120 L |
