1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (295 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 415 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1978 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3080 mm |
