1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 336 kg more than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Because 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | 2003 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 Testarossa | A |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 684 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 54 L |
