1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 34 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 248 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.
Because 1978 Ferrari 308 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (355 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 2012 Chevrolet Impala 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. 2012 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Ferrari | Chevrolet |
| Model | 308 | Impala |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2807 mm |
