Compare the2024 Ferrari 812VS 2023 Mercedes AMG SL

Both the 812 and the AMG SL have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors and available rearview cameras.

The 812 comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The AMG SL’s 50,000-mile basic warranty expires sooner.

Ferrari pays for scheduled maintenance on the 812 for 7 years and unlimited miles. Ferrari will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG SL.

The 812’s 6.5 DOHC V12 produces 320 more horsepower (789 vs. 469) and 14 lbs.-ft. more torque (530 vs. 516) than the AMG SL 55’s standard 4.0 turbo V8. The 812’s 6.5 DOHC V12 produces 212 more horsepower (789 vs. 577) than the AMG SL 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8.

The 812 has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG SL (24.3 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The 812 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better stopping power the 812’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG SL:

For better traction, the 812 has larger tires than the AMG SL (F:275/35R20 & R:315/35R20 vs. F:265/40R20 & R:295/35R20).

The 812’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG SL’s standard 40 series front tires.

The 812 offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the AMG SL; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The 812 offers an optional automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Ferrari 812 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG SL.

The design of the Ferrari 812 amounts to more than styling. The 812 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .288 Cd. That is lower than the AMG SL (.31) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the 812 get better fuel mileage.

The 812’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The 812’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The AMG SL does not have an oil pressure gauge.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The 812 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The AMG SL doesn’t offer headlight washers.