1998 Ferrari F355 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 460 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ferrari F355. (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ferrari F355. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari F355 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F355 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 80 L |
