1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider 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 227 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 170 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider 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 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 355 Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 294 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 70 L |
