1996 Ferrari F355 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 Ferrari F355 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1996 Ferrari F355.
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 F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari F355 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F355 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 85 L |
