1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2003 Ferrari 612
To start off, 2003 Ferrari 612 is newer by 25 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 5,747 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Ferrari 612 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ferrari 612 (532 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ferrari 612 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ferrari 612 weights approximately 475 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, 2003 Ferrari 612 (588 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Ferrari 612 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2003 Ferrari 612 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 308 | 612 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 532 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 7250 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 588 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2960 mm |
