2004 Ferrari 360 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Ferrari 360 is newer by 6 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ferrari 360 (400 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ferrari 360 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 660 kg more than 2004 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ferrari 360. (373 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ferrari 360. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 Ferrari 360 has manual transmission. 2004 Ferrari 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ferrari 360 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 360 | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3589 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
