1976 Ferrari 308 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1976 Ferrari 308. (247 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 585 kg more than 1976 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ferrari 308. (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ferrari 308. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1976 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1976 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 308 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |
