1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (201 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | C |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2760 mm |
