generally speaking, the v-12 fer's drive differently from anything benz puts out. if you can handle a long-throw clutch, etc. they're faster. same deal as relative neophytes being able to sling an awd version of a 911 around a track a little faster than they can do a rwd. the same rwd shaves several seconds off a lap-time with someone who knows what they're doing. the 550's for midgets, btw.