1962 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2009 Ferrari California
To start off, 2009 Ferrari California is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 4,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari California is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 342 more horse power than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ferrari California weights approximately 360 kg more than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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, 2009 Ferrari California (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2009 Ferrari California | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ferrari |
| Model | SE | California |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 78 L |
