1996 Ferrari F355 vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 16 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (377 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2012 Nissan 370Z. (332 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan 370Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 228 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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ferrari F355. (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ferrari F355. 2012 Nissan 370Z 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. 2012 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari F355 | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Ferrari | Nissan |
| Model | F355 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 377 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 72 L |
