1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1997 Ferrari F355. (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Ferrari F355. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 695 kg more than 1997 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 (830 Nm) has 467 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ferrari F355. (363 Nm). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ferrari F355. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1997 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1997 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:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F355 | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2570 mm |
