2003 Ferrari 360 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Ferrari 360 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ferrari 360 (400 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ferrari 360 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 600 kg more than 2003 Ferrari 360.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ferrari 360. (373 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ferrari 360. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Ferrari 360 has manual transmission. 2003 Ferrari 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ferrari 360 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 360 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 293 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 17.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
