1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 395 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, 2012 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lexus |
| Model | 308 | IS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2731 mm |
