2005 Ferrari F430 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Ferrari F430 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ferrari F430 (485 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 455 kg more than 2005 Ferrari F430.
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, 2005 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2005 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Ferrari F430 has manual transmission. 2005 Ferrari F430 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ferrari F430 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4308 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 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 | 1450 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 108 L | 80 L |
