1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 930 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R 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 R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | R |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 2295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3220 mm |
