2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 (541 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 129 kg more than 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500. (691 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 541 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
