1980 Ferrari 208 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 208.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 208. (171 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 208. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 208 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2570 mm |
