1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 33 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 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (136 HP @ 2600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 370 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ferrari 308 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 308 | E |
Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2143 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 255 HP | 136 HP |
Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Torque | 283 Nm | 360 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1735 kg |