1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1996 Ferrari 550. (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Ferrari 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 260 kg more than 1996 Ferrari 550. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ferrari 550. (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ferrari 550. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari 550 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 80 L |
