1981 Ferrari 208 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 117 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 208. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 208 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 208 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 208 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2810 mm |
