2004 Ferrari Maranello vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Ferrari Maranello 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Ferrari Maranello is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ferrari Maranello (508 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ferrari Maranello 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 155 kg more than 2004 Ferrari Maranello.
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, 2004 Ferrari Maranello (589 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ferrari Maranello will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 Ferrari Maranello has manual transmission. 2004 Ferrari Maranello 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 Maranello | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maranello | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 508 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 589 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 105 L | 80 L |
