1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 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 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 445 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 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ferrari 308 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 308 | SL |
Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 255 HP | 204 HP |
Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 283 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 73.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |