1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 20 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 5,789 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 595 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 1999 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. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3090 mm |
