1974 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 38 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 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ferrari 308 (247 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (182 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 70 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, 1974 Ferrari 308 (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2431 mm |
