1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2004 Porsche 996
To start off, 2004 Porsche 996 is newer by 26 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Porsche 996 weights approximately 155 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.
Because 2004 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ferrari 308. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2004 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Porsche |
| Model | 308 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2360 mm |
