1996 Ferrari F355 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari F355 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 152 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 480 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari F355 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ferrari F355 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | F355 | SL |
Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3197 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 376 HP | 224 HP |
Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 315 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.1:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1830 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 80 L |