1998 Ferrari F355 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1998 Ferrari F355 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1998 Ferrari F355.
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 F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1998 Ferrari F355 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari F355 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F355 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 90 L |
