Vermicular graphite cast iron used in brake discs demands a combination of improved mechanical properties and thermal conductivity to meet the requirements of high thermal fatigue and wear resistance. This study investigates the effects of the content and solution strengthening of ferrite on the tensile strength, Brinell hardness and thermal conductivity of vermicular graphite cast iron by changing the addition of Sn and Mo. The experimental results demonstrate that Sn significantly affects the proportion of pearlite and ferrite and strengthens the matrix of vermicular graphite cast iron. On the other hand, Mo can also strengthen the matrix but has less effect on the ratio of ferrite to pearlite. A contradictory relationship between the effects of ferrite (both its content and solution strengthening) on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of vermicular graphite cast iron is found. The results show that the balance of the mechanical and thermal properties of vermicular graphite cast iron can be regulated by increasing and strengthening the ferrite.