Italy vs Germany — 1976 vs 1978
| 400 Automatic | 928 4.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 300 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,823 cc | 4,474 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.1 sec | 6.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 143 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.2 sec | 15.1 sec |
| Weight | 3,880 lbs | 3,197 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,500 mm |
| Length | 4,810 mm | 4,445 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,962 | 15,800 |
| Original MSRP | $60,000 | $28,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $180,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic brings more power, higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1978 Porsche 928 4.5 answers with quicker acceleration, lighter weight, stronger collectibility. 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 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic versus 1978 Porsche 928 4.5 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic holds a clear advantage in raw power with 310 hp compared to 240 hp, a 70-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ferrari 400 uses a V12 DOHC displacing 4,823 cc, while the Porsche 928 relies on a V8 SOHC with 4,474 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1978 Porsche 928 4.5 edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 7.1 seconds. The Porsche 928 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 683 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2,962 units built, the 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 928's 15,800 examples. On the collector market, the 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic commands a significant premium over the 1978 Porsche 928 4.5, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1978 Porsche 928 4.5 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.