2006 Ferrari F430 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2006 Ferrari F430 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,308 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (231 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 38 kg more than 2006 Ferrari F430.
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, 2006 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ferrari F430 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4308 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 483 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2810 mm |
