1981 Ferrari 400 vs. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 400 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1981 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 400 | 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 63 L |
