1981 Ferrari 208 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz S (232 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 650 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208. 2007 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 208 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3040 mm |
