Mercedes-AMG SL 63 vs Ferrari Roma
Compare the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 vs Ferrari Roma. The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is £30,000 cheaper. The Ferrari Roma is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Ferrari Roma is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is priced from £165,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 577 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 196 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive. The Ferrari Roma is priced from £195,000, powered by a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 612 hp, with 760 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 199 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 offers a 213-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Ferrari Roma offers a 272-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 7yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 is £30,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £1,500 per year in maintenance, a full tank costs around £90 for the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and £85 for the Ferrari Roma.
Driving Character: Mercedes-AMG SL 63 vs Ferrari Roma
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 transitions the lineage toward a sophisticated grand tourer profile, prioritising compliance over the surgical precision of its predecessor. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivers a relentless surge of torque, managed by an all-wheel-drive system that ensures composure in challenging UK conditions. While the AMG Active Ride Control suspension offers remarkable poise for a heavy convertible, the steering feel remains somewhat insulated compared to pure sports cars. It excels as a high-speed cruiser rather than a track-day weapon, favouring long-distance refinement and effortless pace over the frantic, razor-sharp feedback once associated with the AMG brand.
The Ferrari Roma is designed for the modern gentleman, offering a 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 that favours refined, broad-shouldered power over the erratic spikes of a track weapon. Its chassis is balanced and fluid, encouraging long, spirited drives across country roads rather than focused track sessions. The steering is direct, yet it avoids the twitchiness found in more aggressive models, providing a relaxing pace that feels perfectly weighted. While it can certainly deliver when provoked, the Roma’s true nature is discovered in its ability to maintain high speeds with a sense of poise and composure that is rarely found in grand tourers.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 78 against 78. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63: Composed, quattro-like AWD grip with genuine open-top GT character. For the Ferrari Roma: Elegant, GT-focused dynamics rather than outright sports car sharpness. In outright terms it is 577 hp against 612 — a 35 hp gap — and the Ferrari Roma reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Mercedes-AMG SL 63 vs Ferrari Roma
Inside, the SL 63 feels thoroughly modern, dominated by a portrait-oriented MUX interface that dictates the cabin aesthetic. The digital cockpit is crisp, though the heavy reliance on touch-sensitive surfaces can feel counterintuitive when pressing on. Material quality is excellent, with high-grade leathers and metals, yet the ergonomics are compromised by the vestigial rear seats, which serve more as shelf space than viable seating. It lacks the intimate, driver-focused cocoon of the previous AMG GT, opting instead for a broad, open-air cockpit design that prioritises perceived luxury and connectivity over raw, tactile immersion.
The cabin of the Roma is arguably the most elegant interior Ferrari has produced in recent memory. It creates a cocoon-like atmosphere with a 2+ layout that is refined, focusing on high-quality tactile materials rather than just performance metrics. Tech is present, though the infotainment is less cutting-edge than the ultra-modern SF90, which feels appropriate for a car intended for long-distance comfort. The rear seats are suitable for short journeys or extra storage, providing a level of practicality that is often missing from its siblings. It feels like a space designed for the journey, not just for the destination.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 85 against 85. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63: Luxurious, modern cabin with excellent build quality. For the Ferrari Roma: Beautifully designed, minimalist 2+2 cabin.
Daily Usability: Mercedes-AMG SL 63 vs Ferrari Roma
Daily utility is remarkably improved, largely due to the transition to a fully variable fabric roof that saves significant boot space and lowers the centre of gravity. The 213-litre capacity remains tight, though it accommodates soft luggage better than the old hard-top systems. Parking remains a chore; the wide, low-slung bodywork requires cautious navigation through tight urban gaps, and the extensive bonnet length demands foresight. Nevertheless, the sophisticated suspension tuning allows it to soak up poorly maintained road surfaces with grace, making it a viable, albeit thirsty, companion for regular motorway commutes and long-distance touring.
For those seeking an everyday Ferrari, the Roma is the standout choice. The 272-litre boot is impressively sized for a front-engine coupe, easily handling luggage for a weekend away. Its longer wheelbase and softer suspension settings make it remarkably comfortable for long hauls, smoothing out road imperfections that would typically unsettle a mid-engine model. In town, it is manageable, although its width still requires care in tight parking structures. Overall, it succeeds as a practical daily driver, balancing enough performance to thrill with the civility required for everyday chores and commutes, making it the most usable model currently available.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 68 against 75. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63: Comfortable, capable long-distance convertible for daily use. For the Ferrari Roma: Ferrari's most usable, comfortable everyday GT. that means 213 litres of boot space against 272.
Ownership: Mercedes-AMG SL 63 vs Ferrari Roma
Ownership is bolstered by the vast, well-integrated Mercedes-Benz dealer network, which provides consistent support for the complex AMG powertrain. Maintenance costs are steep, with annual services reflecting the performance-oriented nature of the twin-turbo V8, and the intricate soft-top mechanism introduces a long-term servicing variable that owners must anticipate. While depreciation is generally mitigated by the enduring prestige of the SL moniker, the market is competitive. Reliability is generally predictable, provided the rigid servicing intervals are respected, ensuring the complex electronics and drivetrain remain within optimal operating parameters throughout the ownership period.
The Roma is well-supported by Ferrari’s seven-year warranty, providing exceptional peace of mind for those looking to use the car frequently. It is positioned to attract a broader demographic of buyers, including those who may not want a dedicated mid-engine sports car. While residual values are slightly softer than the more extreme models in the lineup due to its status as a grand tourer, the lower cost of maintenance makes it an attractive proposition for long-term ownership. It is an honest, well-engineered vehicle that serves as a solid foundation for those looking to enter the Ferrari ownership experience.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Ferrari Roma takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 68 against 74. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG SL 63: Backed by Mercedes-AMG's established reliability record. For the Ferrari Roma: Strong reliability reputation among modern Ferraris. On the wallet the two diverge at £165,000 versus £195,000 — a £30,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,500 against £0, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 7yr / unlimited mi.