2008 Ferrari F430 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 356 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 35 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ferrari F430 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | E |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4309 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 490 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 70 L |
