1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 236 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 50 kg more than 1997 Ferrari F355.
Because 1997 Ferrari F355 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Ferrari F355. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | F355 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2578 mm |
