1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 308 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 296 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 Mercedes-Benz SLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | SLS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1661 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
