2009 Ferrari F430 vs. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica would be higher. At 4,306 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (335 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica weights approximately 65 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ferrari F430 | 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | F430 | 400 Superamerica |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4306 cc | 3967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 483 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 119 L |
