1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 613 kg more than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 Testarossa | 300 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 100 L |
