1980 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 308 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 72 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 561 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 308. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1980 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1980 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | E |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1845 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 80 L |
