Compare - Contrast Ferrari to AMG paper.

which grade/class/age?

 

Apples and oranges really. Ferrari is a manufacturer, and AMG is tuner. In my understanding at least.

AMG to Brabus or RUF or Dinan might be a better comparison.

Ferrari to Lambo or McLaren might also be better.

 

I have 1997 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta and a 2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG.

The F car is the weekend car that is high revving, with very little grunt at low RPM's, but comes alive and screams like an F1 banshee at past 8500 rpm's. The classic gated shifter Clinks thru the gears as you concentrate on keeping the stalk in the right place during quick upshifts and skillfull throttle blip downshifts. Though a relatively modern Ferrari, it still feels quote analog as you can feel it slowly give up to the limits of it's adhesion in a nice fast curve. It sits low and cuts thru the corners with very little bodyroll or drama, very much in its comfort zone thru the twisties. This Italian icon is attention getting red and often makes you feel like A supermodel, as everywhere you go heads are turning and it is not uncommon for people to be snatching cellphone pics of the car as you go by. Every time I get into the car it is an experience, a memory etched in time, my most passionate flame. "life is beautiful", "for Pete's sake I am driving a Ferrari!" On the Nurburgring in 1995, Autocar tested it and recorded an 8:13 lap time.

The AMG is the daily driver that sounds of an American Muscle-car growl when you immediately step on the throttle. It thrives on this attention getting, now roar, as the German is quite tastefully understated, giving away it's true muscle with subtle hood power bulges and widened fenderflares, almost completely hidden in it's black color exterior. This car is definitely a modern digital GT with LSD, traction control, and an F1 style torque converter transmission (that I actually prefer in the automatic setting). In a straight line there are very few cars on the road that match it's pure torque and acceleration. The heavy weight actually feels more stable as you rise above 140mph (seemingly much easier than the Italian stallion). I have never seen anyone snap a pic of the car as I discretely fly by. Every weekday, I get into the car, I drive to work and pass all of the less powerful commuters, with it's seemingly limitless and effortless power, as the Satellite Radio "chill" station pumps thru the cabin. On the same Nurburgring track (where it most likely was developed), in 2009, autocar tested the C63 and recorded a time of 8:13.

I love both of them and feel lucky to have both to meet all of my automotive needs.

 

agreed ...AMG was a seperate company, since purchased and integrated into MB now, essentially it's performance badge (like BMW "M" or Dodge "SRT", etc)

 

I like it. Completely different look, feel, experience. Same time on the track.

 

I have had a couple Ferraris and a couple AMG cars. There is pleanty on this board about Ferrari character, feel, drive, performance etc. They are finesse cars. Although they have high horsepower, like with Porsches, the HP is incidental to the total package and torque relatively understated.

AMG cars are muscle cars. They always have a LOT of torque and HP. On those cars, high HP and torque is the goal. They growl like angry dogs. In a straight line they are hard to beat and the torque makes driving them quite satisfying, but challenging when things get windy. On twisty roads they handle very well, until you compare them to a Ferrari. The torque and nature of the typical driver means you can overthrottle comming out of corners and get loose and going in it is likely that the AMG traction control will go into hyperdrive. All that can be fun, but in terms of getting through corners fastest, an AMG car will fall short of a Ferrari.

As suggested, this is apples to oranges and no different really, than comparing a Viper to a Lotus. (well except that AMG cars are pretty damn reliable and sophisticated as all hell).

 

The new AMG cars are just so good for regular roads its unbelievable. Stupid good power, great comfort, quiet inside with a tasteful exhaust note under power, understated(huge plus for everyday). No one knows you got 500hp and no one cares/looks at you driving. You can give an 430 a run in the straights with a 4 door sedan. Top notch product from Benz that's for sure.