1973 Ferrari 308 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 30 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 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 25 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ferrari 308 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
