2006 Ferrari F430 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Ferrari F430 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Ferrari F430. (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Ferrari F430. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 619 kg more than 2006 Ferrari F430. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ferrari F430. (465 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ferrari F430.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ferrari F430 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4308 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 490 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1959 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 14.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.4 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 91 L |
