1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
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 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 377 kg more than 1979 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ferrari 308 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 308 | 450 |
Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2927 cc | 4520 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 255 HP | 225 HP |
Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 283 Nm | 378 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1742 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2870 mm |