2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500
To start off, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is newer by 4 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 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 92 kg more than 2012 Ford Shelby GT500.
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 Ford Shelby GT500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 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 | 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SL | Shelby GT500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 269 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1733 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
