1980 Ferrari 400 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 220 kg more than 1980 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 400. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1980 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ferrari 400 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 400 | SL |
Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4821 cc | 5956 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 310 HP | 375 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 392 Nm | 580 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 100 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 94.8 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 | 1830 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 | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 80 L |