1980 Ferrari 208 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 208. (171 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 208. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1980 Ferrari 208 has manual transmission. 1980 Ferrari 208 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 208 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
