1976 Ferrari 400 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1976 Ferrari 400. (340 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 125 kg more than 1976 Ferrari 400. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ferrari 400. (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ferrari 400. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1976 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1976 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 400 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 80 L |
