1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 370 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3090 mm |
