2006 Ferrari F430 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2006 Ferrari F430 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,309 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ferrari F430 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4309 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 490 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 315 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2850 mm |
