1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 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 244 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (241 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 3720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 88 L |
