1989 Ferrari F40 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ferrari F40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ferrari F40 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari F40 (622 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari F40 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 776 kg more than 1989 Ferrari F40.
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, 1989 Ferrari F40 (720 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Ferrari F40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1989 Ferrari F40 has manual transmission. 1989 Ferrari F40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ferrari F40 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F40 | SL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 622 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 80 L |
