1983 Ferrari 400 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1983 Ferrari 400. (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 126 kg more than 1983 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 400. (393 Nm). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 400. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1983 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1983 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 400 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 90 L |
