1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 435 kg more than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. 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. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 495 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica has manual transmission. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 Superamerica | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3967 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 119 L | 80 L |
