1973 Ferrari 308 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 40 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (291 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1973 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 755 kg more than 1973 Ferrari 308. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (385 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ferrari 308 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 257 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3165 mm |
