1998 Ferrari Maranello 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 Maranello. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari Maranello would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1998 Ferrari Maranello. (479 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Ferrari Maranello. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 421 kg more than 1998 Ferrari Maranello. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 436 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ferrari Maranello. (563 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ferrari Maranello. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 Ferrari Maranello has manual transmission. 1998 Ferrari Maranello will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari Maranello | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maranello | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 479 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 2066 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 80 L |
