1988 Ferrari 412 GT vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 412 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (340 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT weights approximately 525 kg more than 1971 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, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 412 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 412 GT | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 412 GT | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1360 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 |
