1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Ferrari F355 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,491 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 210 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ferrari F355 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | F355 | S |
Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 376 HP | 154 HP |
Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2950 mm |