2004 Ferrari 612 vs. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider
To start off, 2004 Ferrari 612 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider would be higher. At 5,748 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Ferrari 612 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ferrari 612 (533 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. (375 HP @ 8250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ferrari 612 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ferrari 612 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. 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, 2004 Ferrari 612 (590 Nm) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. (363 Nm). This means 2004 Ferrari 612 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. 2004 Ferrari 612 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider has manual transmission. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ferrari 612 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ferrari 612 | 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 612 | 355 Spider |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5748 cc | 3494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 533 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 590 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1180 mm |
