1976 Ferrari 308 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 35 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1976 Ferrari 308. (247 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1976 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 575 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 409 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ferrari 308. (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ferrari 308. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 308 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2875 mm |
