2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2011 Ferrari California
To start off, 2011 Ferrari California is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (349 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 110 kg more than 2011 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ferrari California. (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ferrari California.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2011 Ferrari California | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ferrari |
| Model | SLK | California |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5437 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 1845 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 78 L |
