1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 16 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 183 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 221 kg more than 1996 Ferrari 550.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ferrari 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will offer significantly more control. 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 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari 550 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1911 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 80 L |
