1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 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 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 240 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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2950 mm |
