2009 Ferrari F430 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (503 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (383 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 452 kg more than 2009 Ferrari F430.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ferrari F430. (470 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ferrari F430. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Ferrari F430 has manual transmission. 2009 Ferrari F430 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ferrari F430 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4308 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 503 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.6 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1458 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 17.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
