Italy vs Germany — 1987 vs 1986
| F40 Twin Turbo | 959 Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 478 hp | 450 hp |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,936 cc | 2,849 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 sec | 3.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 201 mph | 197 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 11.8 sec | 11.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,425 lbs | 3,197 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,272 mm |
| Length | 4,358 mm | 4,260 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,315 | 337 |
| Original MSRP | $400,000 | $225,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $3,500,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1987 Ferrari F40 Twin Turbo brings higher top speed, lighter weight to the table, and the 1986 Porsche 959 Sport answers with quicker acceleration, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1987 Ferrari F40 Twin Turbo versus 1986 Porsche 959 Sport is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1987 Ferrari F40 Twin Turbo holds a clear advantage in raw power with 478 hp compared to 450 hp, a 28-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ferrari F40 uses a V8 DOHC 32V Twin Turbo (Tipo F120A) displacing 2,936 cc, while the Porsche 959 relies on a Flat-6 Twin-Turbo (Sequential) with 2,849 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1986 Porsche 959 Sport edges ahead at 3.6 seconds versus 3.8 seconds. The Ferrari F40 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 772 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 337 units built, the 1986 Porsche 959 Sport is considerably scarcer than the Ferrari F40's 1,315 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.