1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 308 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 63 kg more than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1979 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 1964 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
