1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 26 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 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 370 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 2005 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2860 mm |
