Ferrari 412: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Ferrari 412 was produced from 1985 to 1988 as a Coupe in a single generation. Buyers have two versions to compare: the 4.9 MT with a 5-speed Manual gearbox and the 4.9 AT with a 3-speed Automatic. Both use the same 4,943 cc Gasoline V-shaped 12-cylinder engine, produce 340 hp and 451 Nm, and have RWD.
The Ferrari 412 was produced from 1985 to 1988 as a Coupe in a single generation. Buyers have two versions to compare: the 4.9 MT with a 5-speed Manual gearbox and the 4.9 AT with a 3-speed Automatic. Both use the same 4,943 cc Gasoline V-shaped 12-cylinder engine, produce 340 hp and 451 Nm, and have RWD. The decisive difference is performance: the 4.9 MT reaches 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and has a 250 km/h top speed, while the 4.9 AT takes 8.3 seconds and reaches 245 km/h. On the available figures, the 4.9 MT is the stronger choice for performance; the 4.9 AT is the alternative for buyers who specifically prefer an Automatic gearbox.
Ferrari 412 generations and versions
The Ferrari 412 has one generation, built from 1985 to 1988. This generation uses a Coupe body and includes two versions, 4.9 MT and 4.9 AT. Because there is only one generation in the supplied data, there are no generation-to-generation changes to compare. The purchasing decision is therefore entirely between the two transmissions and their associated performance figures.
Ferrari 412 engine and specs
The 4.9 MT and 4.9 AT share the same naturally aspirated engine specification. Each has a displacement of 4,943 cc, output of 340 hp at 6,000 rpm, and torque of 451 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Both engines use Gasoline, distributed injection (multi-point), a V-shaped cylinder layout, 12 cylinders, and 2 valves per cylinder. Boost is listed as No.
The shared engine produces approximately 68.8 hp per litre and 91.2 Nm per litre. These calculations are the same for both versions because their displacement, power, and torque are identical. Compression ratio is 9.6, and bore and stroke are 82 × 78 mm for each version.
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 MT | 340 hp at 6,000 rpm | 451 Nm at 4,200 rpm | 4,943 cc | Gasoline | 12 | V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4.9 AT | 340 hp at 6,000 rpm | 451 Nm at 4,200 rpm | 4,943 cc | Gasoline | 12 | V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
The 4.9 MT has two more forward gears than the 4.9 AT. No difference in engine output accompanies that transmission choice: both versions deliver exactly 340 hp and 451 Nm.
Ferrari 412 performance and fuel economy
The 4.9 MT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, making it 1.6 seconds quicker than the 4.9 AT, which requires 8.3 seconds. The 4.9 MT has a maximum speed of 250 km/h, exceeding the 4.9 AT’s 245 km/h maximum by 5 km/h.
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 MT | 6.7 seconds | 250 km/h | 29.1 l/100 km | 13.3 l/100 km | 18.2 l/100 km |
| 4.9 AT | 8.3 seconds | 245 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
For the 4.9 MT, city consumption is 29.1 l/100 km, highway consumption is 13.3 l/100 km, and combined consumption is 18.2 l/100 km. For the 4.9 AT, city, highway, and combined fuel consumption are all not measured. The missing Automatic figures do not show that it uses more or less fuel; they prevent a numerical economy comparison.
Both versions use 98 fuel and have a 116-litre tank. CO₂ output and emissions class are not measured for either version.
Ferrari 412 dimensions, weight, and chassis specs
The 4.9 MT has a kerb weight of 1,805 kg. Against its 340 hp output, that equals approximately 5.31 kg per horsepower, or approximately 188.4 hp per tonne. Kerb weight for the 4.9 AT is not measured, so an equivalent weight-to-power comparison cannot be calculated for the Automatic.
Gross weight is not measured for either version. Ground clearance is 120 mm and fuel-tank capacity is 116 litres on both. Wheel sizes are not measured for either version.
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 MT | 1,805 kg | not measured | 120 mm | 116 litres | not measured |
| 4.9 AT | not measured | not measured | 120 mm | 116 litres | not measured |
Both versions have Independent, spring front suspension and Ventilated disc front brakes. Rear-suspension and rear-brake specifications are not measured for either version.
Ferrari 412 reliability and problems data
Reliability ratings, recorded problems, maintenance costs, and repair frequencies are not measured in the supplied data. Neither the 4.9 MT nor the 4.9 AT can therefore be recommended on a numerical reliability advantage. The specification data establishes differences in gearbox and performance, but it does not establish that either version is more durable or less expensive to maintain.
Which Ferrari 412 version should you buy?
Choose the 4.9 MT if acceleration, maximum speed, and a more fully documented specification are the priorities. It reaches 100 km/h 1.6 seconds sooner, raises maximum speed by 5 km/h, and uses a 5-speed Manual rather than a 3-speed Automatic. Its measured 1,805 kg kerb weight also allows a weight-to-power figure of approximately 5.31 kg per horsepower. Fuel consumption is documented at 29.1 l/100 km in the city, 13.3 l/100 km on the highway, and 18.2 l/100 km combined.
Choose the 4.9 AT if an Automatic gearbox is the central requirement. It retains the same 4,943 cc engine, 340 hp, 451 Nm, RWD, 120 mm ground clearance, and 116-litre tank as the Manual version. The trade-off shown by the data is slower acceleration and a lower top speed: 8.3 seconds to 100 km/h and 245 km/h, compared with 6.7 seconds and 250 km/h for the 4.9 MT. Its kerb weight and fuel-consumption figures are not measured, so those factors cannot be compared fairly.
There is no recorded price data, so the extra money required for either version—and what that premium buys—cannot be quantified. Judged strictly by the available specifications, the 4.9 MT is the version to buy for measurable performance, while the 4.9 AT is the version to buy only when the 3-speed Automatic is itself the desired feature.