2011 Ferrari California vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Ferrari California is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ferrari California is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2011 Ferrari California (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Ferrari California has manual transmission. 2011 Ferrari California will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ferrari California | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | California | SL |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 460 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 483 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4562 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1308 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 80 L |
