VS
At a Glance
Power
610 kW
430 kW
Torque
740 Nm
800 Nm
Fuel
8.5 combined l/100km
13.4 l/100km
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
2.9 s
3.6 s
Engine
2992 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Ferrari 296 and the Mercedes-AMG SL is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Ferrari 296 delivers 610 kW while the Mercedes-AMG SL produces 430 kW. On fuel, the 296 returns 8.5 combined l/100km while the SL uses 13.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R7 795 000 for the 296 and R3 982 166 for the SL. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
610 kW
430 kW
Torque
740 Nm
800 Nm
0-100 kph
2.9 s
3.6 s
Top Speed
330 Km/h
315 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2992 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.5 combined l/100km
13.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 litre + 7.45 kWh l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
205 combined g/km
334 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4565 mm
4705 mm
Width
1958 mm
1915-2100 mm
Height
1191 mm
1354 mm
Wheelbase
2600 mm
2700 mm
Kerb Weight
1540 Kg
1895 DIN / 1970 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2+2
Load Volume
—
213 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Load Capacity
—
350 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6 (opt 8)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
7yr
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimitedkm
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
296
Fuel Economy
296
Value
SL
Practicality
SL
Pros & Cons
Ferrari 296
More powerful engine (610 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.5 combined l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (2.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG SL
Lower starting price (R3 982 166)
Higher fuel consumption (13.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (430 kW vs 610 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 296 or SL?
The 296 uses 8.5 combined l/100km and the SL uses 13.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 296 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 296 or SL?
The 296 produces 610 kW and 740 Nm of torque while the SL delivers 430 kW and 800 Nm of torque. The 296 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 296 and SL?
The 296 starts from R7 795 000 and the SL from R3 982 166. The SL is cheaper by R3 812 834 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 296 or SL?
The 296 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the SL can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 296 or the SL?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider