1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 1978 Ferrari 308 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,330 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1490 kg more than 1978 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 (501 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 600 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 6330 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3910 mm |
