1980 Ferrari Mondial vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari Mondial. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari Mondial would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari Mondial. (214 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari Mondial.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari Mondial. (243 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari Mondial. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 Ferrari Mondial has manual transmission. 1980 Ferrari Mondial will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari Mondial | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mondial | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 214 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 243 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
