1976 Ferrari 308 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1976 Ferrari 308 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ferrari 308 (247 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 143 kg more than 1976 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, 1976 Ferrari 308 (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 308 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2760 mm |
