1981 Ferrari 208 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 28 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), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 425 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 208 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| 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 | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2720 mm |
