1998 Ferrari 456M vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 456M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 456M would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 456M (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 456M should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 185 kg more than 1998 Ferrari 456M.
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 456M (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari 456M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 456M | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 456M | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 88 L |
