1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa. (296 HP @ 7200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa has manual transmission. 1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 250 Testarossa | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2953 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 140 L | 80 L |
