StephenK

Performance wise, how does the SL 600 power wise compare to Ferrari's. I know this is a general question since Ferrari has different models like everyone else, but just curious. I have heard different things on this. I thought of buying a Ferrari in the past but heard nothing but horror stories about reliability and service. That sounds familiar to most of us on this forum doesn't it.

lorinserbenz

Yes Mercedes doesnt have a great track record at the moment, but I dont think you can compare them to Ferraris reliabilty. What sort of condition do you think a Ferrari motor would be in after 50,000 miles?... chances are it wouldnt last that long. At least with an SL600 you have an everyday supercar that will last a long time and wont cost $5,000 for service.

LVDell

There is absolutely NO comparison. One is a luxury touring roadster and the other is a track beast. Now straight power is another thing. Depends on which model you are talking about.......The "entry" model F430? Even that will destroy a SL600. Only 3200# and sub 4 sec 0-60 and a top speed of 200.

Hmmmmm. Less HP, less TQ, Less #, Smaller engine and still beats the SL600 into the ground? No contest.

But cost of ownership and longevity the MB wins.

DerekFSU

Not true. F430's run 11.7's. That makes it a driver's race against a SL600. F40's run about the same. The SL600 would destroy the 348, F60, 360, Scaglietta, Stradale, Maranello, and the 355. An Enzo would eat up the SL but that's about it outside of Michael Schumacher in a F2003-GA (low 7's).

tiggerfink

The Ferrair F430 was .1 faster from 0-60, but the SL65 was faster from 0-100, 0-150, and the 1/4 mile. The SL65 was almost 2s faster in the passing test from 30 to 50mph. The SL65 is very fast. The results came from the August 2005 issue of Car&Driver.

LVDell

.1 faster against what? The SL600? Not even close, try over 1/2 a sec. Besides 0-60 times are just stupid comparisons anyway. I consider this one of the more irrelevant discussions. If you want to compare cars, compare the SL600 which is a turbo charged car against like competition. The Ferrari is NA. Your comparison should be against the 911 Turbo Cab. Still would destroy the SL but a more more apples to apples comparison. Not sure why we are even having this discussion, we are comparing apples to oranges.

And this "drivers race" dellusion b/t the 430 and teh SL600 is just flat stupid. I'll let you pick the track and we can let 2 equal drivers go at it for pinks. I just wonder what the Ferrari owner would want with a MB anyway.

For crying out loud on Top Gear they had an Evo VIII (Lancer) go up against a Lambo Murci and they were dead EVEN on the track, in fact the Evo cornered better!!!

tiggerfink

I thought my reply mentioned the SL65 being compare to the Ferrari 430.

Here are the numbers.

F430
0-60 4.1
0-100 9.4
0-150 23.8
1/4-mile 13.2@111
top speed 186

SL65
0-60 4.2
0-100 9.1
0-150 20.5
1/4-mile 12.1@120
top speed 156

LVDell

Top Speed on the F430 is 186 and the 0-60 is sub 4 (0-62 is 4.0)

Not sure where you got your numbers from but like I said this is still an apples to oranges comparison (even with the SL65 in the mix).

1 will tear apart the AutoBahn the other the Nurburgring.

tiggerfink

Performance numbers will always change because of the environment. My numbers came from the August 2005 issue of Car and Driver. Car and Driver tested in a desert environment with the temperature above 90 degrees. F430 did have the second best track time on a 1.6-mile track. The Ford GT barely beat the F430. The F430 was 2 second faster than the SL65 on the 1.6-mile track.

Car and Driver did mention that the US bound F430s are slower in the 0-60, because they do not have the Euro-spec launch control. According to Car and Driver the F430 got first place in the comparison, because it was so superior in handling and did the second fastest lap time on the 1.6-mile track.

DerekFSU

911 Turbo's run high 11's. Most of them would lose. You're wrong again.


What's stupid is that you are incorrect and try to change the subject with "apples to oranges" and "Top Gear Evo" red herrings. Stick to the numbers, it's not a presidential debate.

We were answering the question how does the SL600 compare to a Ferrari "power wise." You said a F430 would "destroy a SL600" and you are flat wrong. Additionally, the SL600 has more power and in a straightaway race, DESTROYS way more ferraris than it will lose to.

As for your "Not sure why we are even having this discussion..." comment- Well, it's because someone asked. If you don't like the discussion or the comparison then don't participate. The fact of the matter is you jumped in with statements like "beating the SL600 into the ground" and they are absolutely incorrect. Had he asked about the ring or roadcoursing the cars as opposed to power, the Ferraris would have fared a bit better.

BklynBenz

you meant F40 right?

DerekFSU

Nope, I meant 360 but that was a typo since the F60 is the Enzo. I stand corrected, thanks.

tiggerfink

It’s all in perspective. The F430 is faster than the SL class doing laps on the track, because the F430 can go faster than 160MPHs. But the SL600 may be faster in the street races where you drive in a straight line.

LVDell

Derek....not even going to try and understand the stupid rhetoric you are claiming. The SL600 is a joke compared to the F430 and not even in the same class of car which is why I used the apples to oranges comparison. Winner on the track? Ferrari. Winner on the straights? Ferrari. Not sure how you figure the SL will beat the F430 on the straights. Where are you racing flat out ONLY on a straight? I sure hope not on the public roads. That's just flat stupid.

Obviously your ego has been bruised b/c you keep fabricating numbers and trying to get the turbo charged luxury roadster on top of the NA race car. Shame on you.

I'll even give you the SL65 for the rest of this comparison (hint....if the SL65 isn't a better performer than the F430 neither will the SL600)

If we want to use "real world" testing then pick a copy og Aug C&D and read the article about the 6 road cars (F430, DB9, 911TTCAB, SL65, FordGT, Gallardo). I'll give you one guess who finished 1st and who finished last. YOu guessed it Ferrari 1st and SL65 last. Now while the SL65 (not the 600) is a very worthy competitor, it's not the same car. Yes it can roar to 150 from a standstill but who can do that safely and legally without being on a track? And if you are on a track then you should be there as a spectator b/c (as C&D) even states that this is no car (SL65) that should be taking in the hills and corners. It hates the corners and has WAY too much oversteer (hmmmm. weight issue?). In addition they state there is no place that the power of this beauty can be used other than the autobahn. It is geared for a trip to your vacation home in a luxurious and spirited fashion. NOW THAT I CAN HANDLE!!!

If I have $200K for a car and wanted a daily driver and had to pick from this group, I would so with the SL65 (And I am a Porsche guy and would love the TT).

If I had to pick a track car? THe F430.

Now go cook up some more numbers so you can continue to get your square peg into a round hole.

RennTechV12

I'll take on any Ferrari (except the mighty million dollar Enzo) any day of the week in my SL. I'm taking it to the dragstrip tonight as a matter of fact. Bring your 430 and a load of cash and let's get it on, make sure you bring your video camera too, to get footage of me whoopin' that azz!!!!

LVDell

And now you've made my point for me.

You want to race an out of the box F430 against a twin turbo charged renntech'ed SL? If you want to play that game, then call up one of the Ferrari guys that has modded that crap out of their car like you have.

Unbelievable that I am even having this conversation.

Have fun at the drag strip tonight. Be sure and post all your kill stories later.

StephenK

LVDELL, ? what kind of car(s) do you currently drive?????

LVDell

Dpeends on my mood when I walk into the garage. Mostly drive my 996. Why?

DerekFSU

LV, I am willing to bet at least a $1 that you are not from Vegas. Maybe the NE?

You need to put the crack pipe down. The question that started this thread was how does the SL600 compare to Ferrari's in terms of power. He did not ask who can run the ring, is it apples or oranges, which corners better, NA versus poweradders, track beast or luxury touring sedan, 911 Turbo Cabs, Top Gear TV shows with EVO's, you tearing apart the Autobahn, square pegs in round holes, or the sox. All of which, minus the last, have been part of your rants.

The question of power in the US seems to most often be expressed in HP/TQ on paper and 0-60 & 1/4 mile times in action. In those two areas, irregardless of whatever garbage to want to type, the stock SL600 beats nearly every stock Ferrari ever produced. Heck, my little old E class can outrun every Ferrari out there but some of the juiced ones and maybe some F60's- just don't throw in any curves. Had the question included road racing, handling, etc., then my answers would be different and I would agree with you.

LVDell

1. What does where I live/from have to do with anything?

2. As for your HP and TQ and 1/4 mile statements, man you are sure jaded. sad....but very true. I, like most, prefer to drive there cars, not drag them.

StephenK

I see nothing positive coming from LVDELL.

Probably drive a 4 cylinder Honda Civic and is mad at the world.

DerekFSU

Again, you ignore the question. No one asked whether you like driving or dragging. It was the power of a Ferrari versus the power of a SL600. I'm assuming by "jaded," that you disagree that 1/4 mile, 0-60, HP, & torque are the most common ways to judge power. I am using those to answer the question at hand. If there is a more common way in the US to judge the "power" of a vehicle, then I may be wrong.

LVDell

Wow SK, I am surprised at that. Considering you KNOW what I drive, what I am looking to buy, , the reasons for my purchase, and why I am even chattin with you guys here on R230.....(remember all the input on me buying a SL). I really valued your opinions and input.

But....you have taken on the nature of the beast here which is par for threaded forums. You pick a side and either concur or pile on. You chose to pile on. Remember, everybody has their opinion here, it just depends on if you want to be adult about it or childish. You have really dropped down in maturity levels. Sad b/c I am sure you are a great guy.

LVDell

My apologies then Derek. If it is straight power and nothing else then the SL is the clear winner. Guess I interpreted the post incorrectly. My bad.

RennTechV12

Hey, it is a fair comparison. You want to compare a $130k car to a $170k car?
With my RennTech mods my SL still costs over $30k less than the 430. Let's go "apples to apples" as you say and compare cars that cost the same like the 430 and a RennTeched SL65. I think that you will agree which is faster.