1983 Ferrari 400 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 28 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1983 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1983 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 209 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS.
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 SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 400 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | SLS |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1938 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1252 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 85 L |
