SLS Vs. 458 Matchup Raises A Few Questions

Emmanuel P November 24, 2012

If you’ve still got any doubt that the Mercedes SLS AMG is a supercar, if not an exotic, then take a look at this video of Mercedes-AMG’s hellion matched up against a Ferrari 458. On paper, the engines of the two cars are pretty much even, both being highly-tuned V8s, and being a couple of horsepower shy of 565 stallions. However, the stats will show that the Ferrari is about 250 pounds lighter than the SLS AMG. That’s the equivalent of one or two passengers.

Which makes it a bit of a surprise why the Ferrari doesn’t get a big jump on the SLS on the acceleration runs. Torque and gearing would play a part. As would the supposedly better drivetrain efficiency of the SLS, which enables it to put out more rear-wheel horsepower to the driven wheels. So is Ferrari overstating the 458’s output? Or is AMG being coy about what its engine really makes?