1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 10 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 391 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (94 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 495 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. 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, 2006 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | A |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 54 L |
