2009 Ferrari F430 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (503 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. (323 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 432 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 (470 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2009 Ferrari F430 has manual transmission. 2009 Ferrari F430 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ferrari F430 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4308 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 503 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1458 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
