1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 24 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 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (174 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 440 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, 1979 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
