1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 70 L |
