1973 Ferrari 308 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 285 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 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ferrari 308 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2950 mm |
