1976 Ferrari 400 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 30 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 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1976 Ferrari 400. (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm) has 579 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ferrari 400. (422 Nm). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ferrari 400. 2006 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 400 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4822 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 605 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 80 L |
