1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 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 371 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ferrari 550 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 1996 Ferrari 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 406 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 550 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 55 L |
