1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 204 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ferrari 400 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 400 | SL |
Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4823 cc | 4971 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 310 HP | 315 HP |
Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 392 Nm | 468 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1973 kg | 1769 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 80 L |