2003 Ferrari 612 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ferrari 612. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ferrari 612 would be higher. At 5,747 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Ferrari 612 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ferrari 612 (532 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (384 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ferrari 612 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 Ferrari 612.
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, 2003 Ferrari 612 (588 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Ferrari 612 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Ferrari 612 has manual transmission. 2003 Ferrari 612 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ferrari 612 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 612 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5747 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 532 HP | 384 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 588 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.3 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 108 L | 80 L |
