1996 Ferrari F355 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1996 Ferrari F355. (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Ferrari F355. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 770 kg more than 1996 Ferrari F355. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 637 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ferrari F355. (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ferrari F355. 2006 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari F355 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F355 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 80 L |
