2003 Ferrari 360 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Ferrari 360 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ferrari 360 (420 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ferrari 360 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 729 kg more than 2003 Ferrari 360.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ferrari 360. (374 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ferrari 360. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 Ferrari 360 has manual transmission. 2003 Ferrari 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ferrari 360 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 360 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3586 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
