1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2009 Lexus GS
To start off, 2009 Lexus GS is newer by 31 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 3,455 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus GS (292 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus GS weights approximately 585 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, 2009 Lexus GS (368 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 2009 Lexus GS 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. 2009 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2009 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lexus |
| Model | 308 | GS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 368 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.8:1 |
| 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 | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 65 L |
