1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1978 Ferrari 308 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. (177 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1035 kg more than 1978 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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (432 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 432 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3300 mm |
