1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 391 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (94 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (158 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2810 mm |
