1980 Ferrari 308 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Ferrari 308 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 276 kg more than 1980 Ferrari 308.
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, 1980 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 308 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 90 L |
