1996 Ferrari F355 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 15 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 (377 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ferrari F355 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Ferrari F355. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari F355 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F355 | A |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 377 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 54 L |
