1981 Ferrari 208 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 575 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 208 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2570 mm |
