1976 Ferrari 400 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1976 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1976 Ferrari 400. (340 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 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 111 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ferrari 400. (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ferrari 400. 1976 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 400 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2585 mm |
