1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 15 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 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (156 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F355 | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 294 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2760 mm |
