1973 Ferrari 308 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (231 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 360 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ferrari 308. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ferrari 308 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 257 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| 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 | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3080 mm |
