1999 Ferrari F50 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Ferrari F50 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ferrari F50 (671 HP @ 10497 RPM) has 356 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ferrari F50 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 769 kg more than 1999 Ferrari F50.
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, 1999 Ferrari F50 (521 Nm @ 8000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1999 Ferrari F50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ferrari F50 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F50 | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4698 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 671 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10497 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 521 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 371 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 84 L | 80 L |
