1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 308. (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 530 kg more than 1979 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ferrari 308 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 308 | S |
Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5547 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 297 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 463 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 94.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2950 mm |