1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 670 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 88 L |
