When it comes to high-performance sports cars, very few automotive brands can match the might of Saleen. The California-based car brand has been the torch-bearer of high-performance sports cars for many years. What started as Steve Saleen's passion for cars, led to a legacy that would be celebrated for years to come.
Another automotive brand that is well known for its legacy, is Ferrari. Founded in 1939 from the Alfa Romeo racing division as 'Auto Avio Costruzioni', the Italian company built its first car in 1940 and produced its first Ferrari-badged car in 1947. Ferrari has been renowned for its rich history in professional racing over the years.
Apart from being the tenth-largest car manufacturer (based on market capitalization) in the world, Ferrari is also renowned for being one of the oldest and most successful Formula One teams.
While both Saleen and Ferrari have manufactured several legendary superc ars over the years, the Saleen S7 and the Ferrari Enzo, are two cars with an extraordinary legacy compared to any other. But which super car comes out on top when you compare them? Let's find out.
A Performance Powerhouse: Saleen S7
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Saleen S7 is a representation of America's reputation when it comes to automotive performance. Remember America's golden generation of muscle cars? The Saleen S7 is a throwback to those legendary automobiles, with a hint of modern finesse. Saleen Automotive, Inc. specializes in the production of high-performance sports cars and high-performance automotive parts. One look at the S7's features and attributes makes it pretty obvious that it's a Saleen special. What makes the S7 is its exclusivity.
To date, it remains the only Saleen production car not based on an existing design or chassis. Making its debut on August 19, 2000, at the Monterey Historic Races, the Saleen S7 became only the sixth American mid-engine production sports car after the Pontiac Fiero, Consulier GTP, Mosler Raptor, Vector W8, and M12. A visual marvel, the Saleen S7 was developed by the company's founder Steve Saleen, with the help of Ray Mallock Ltd. (RML) and Phil Frank. Steve played a key role in the S7's initial concept, direction, and engine development.
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Classed as an S-segment 2-door coupe, this American supercar boasted butterfly doors. The S7's body was carved out of carbon fiber, incorporating the use of scoops, spoilers, and other aerodynamic features for optimal performance. Its interiors are defined with leather and aluminum accents, as well as top tech and infotainment options for its time. The twin-turbocharged 7.0-liter engine generates tremendous power (up to 550 hp) propelling the Saleen S7 to a claimed top speed of up to 240 miles per hour. The Saleen S7 boasted impressive acceleration figures too; it could go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over 2.8 seconds, and 0 to 100 miles per hour in just over 7.1 seconds.
Ferrari Enzo Is The Genesis Of The Hypercar
A tribute to the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari, the Italian supercar, Ferrari Enzo, was special for several reasons. When a brand as huge as Ferrari names a car after its founder, you know it has to be something out of the ordinary. While quite a few Ferrari cars have been designed by the renowned Italian Design Studio, Pininfarina, the man behind the design and development of the Ferrari Enzo, was none other than Ken Okuyama. If you are unaware, Ken Okuyama is the man who has gifted the automotive world gems such as the first-gen Honda NSX and the stunning Maserati Birdcage 75th concept car. Characterized by F1-style aerodynamics, the Enzo featured a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Its butterfly doors were a star attraction, and the company went to retain them for its successor, the LaFerrari.
Its custom-designed Bridgestone tires added to its already impressive looks. The Ferrari Enzo's impressive performance numbers were a reflection of the car's powerful 6.0-liter, V12 engine that made 650hp and 485 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.14 seconds. Its top speed has been recorded to be as high as 221 miles per hour. Developed in conjunction with the F1 legend, Michael Schumacher, the Ferrari Enzo was an instant hit upon its launch.
Ferrari Enzo vs Saleen S7: Which Is Better?
In a battle of such powerhouses, it is always hard to pick a winner. While both these super cars - the Saleen S7 and the Ferrari Enzo - are well and truly legendary.
The Italian super car is an icon that is cherished like no other super car. The Ferrari Enzo's legacy is reflected in the cars that were inspired by this Italian super car. Such was the demand for the Ferrari Enzo, that its 400th model - initially gifted to the Pope - fetched over a $1 million at a car auction. The previous 399 models were sold out very quickly after the Ferrari Enzo was officially unveiled at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. In our books, it is the Ferrari Enzo takes the win.