1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo (653 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 351 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 75 kg more than 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo.
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, 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo (815 Nm) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm). This means 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo has manual transmission. 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Turbo | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 512 BBi Turbo | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 653 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 815 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 329 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
