1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 415 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 512 BBi | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5500 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1914 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 80 L |
