1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Ferrari 458
To start off, 2013 Ferrari 458 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ferrari 458 (570 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ferrari 458 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 624 kg more than 2013 Ferrari 458.
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, 2013 Ferrari 458 (540 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2013 Ferrari 458 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Ferrari 458 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ferrari |
| Model | S | 458 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 4499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 570 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4527 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1937 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1213 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 86 L |
