2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Ferrari California
To start off, 2012 Ferrari California is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ferrari California is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 20 kg more than 2012 Ferrari California.
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, 2012 Ferrari California (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Ferrari California | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ferrari |
| Model | SL | California |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 78 L |
