1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 400 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 453 kg more than 1978 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1978 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 400 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
