1998 Ferrari 456M vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 456M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 456M would be higher. At 5,473 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 Ferrari 456M. (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Ferrari 456M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 180 kg more than 1998 Ferrari 456M. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ferrari 456M. (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ferrari 456M. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 Ferrari 456M has manual transmission. 1998 Ferrari 456M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 456M | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 456M | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5473 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 62 L |
