1998 Ferrari 456M vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 456M (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 456M should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1998 Ferrari 456M (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari 456M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 456M | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 456M | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 80 L |
