1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 262 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (113 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 280 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 355 Spider | 300 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 294 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 70 L |
