1974 Ferrari 308 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 15 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 Ferrari 308. (247 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1974 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ferrari 308. (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ferrari 308. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 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. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ferrari 308 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
