1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia
To start off, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia is newer by 33 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 4,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia (570 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia (539 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia 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. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 308 | 458 Italia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 4500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 570 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4526 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2649 mm |
