1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 308 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 85 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (170 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ferrari 308 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 308 | 280 |
Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 255 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 283 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.8 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1295 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |