1998 Ferrari 456M vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1998 Ferrari 456M. (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Ferrari 456M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 490 kg more than 1998 Ferrari 456M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ferrari 456M. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ferrari 456M. (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ferrari 456M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 456M | 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 456M | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 90 L |
