1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 295 kg more than 2009 Ferrari F430.
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, 2009 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ferrari |
| Model | SL | F430 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 4308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 483 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 311 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.7 L/100km | 18.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 95 L |
