2003 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,309 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 349 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ferrari |
| Model | C | F430 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 4309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 315 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 18.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 110 L |
