1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 30 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 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 214 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 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1494 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 66 L |
