1976 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 36 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1976 Ferrari 308. (247 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1976 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 450 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ferrari 308. (290 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ferrari 308. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 308 | CLS |
Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 247 HP | 264 HP |
Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 290 Nm | 620 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 15.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2875 mm |