1974 Ferrari 308 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ferrari 308 (247 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (219 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1974 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ferrari 308. (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ferrari 308. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1974 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1974 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ferrari 308 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2470 mm |
