1978 Ferrari 400 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 326 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 400. (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 465 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 578 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 400. (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 400. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1978 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 400 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| 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 | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 80 L |
