1973 Ferrari 308 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, both 1973 Ferrari 308 and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 were released in the same year (1973). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1973 Ferrari 308.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ferrari 308. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1973 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1973 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ferrari 308 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 95 L |
