1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (174 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 130 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 355 Spider | 280 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 90 L |
