1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 308 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 396 kg more than 1981 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (287 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 350 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 65.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 95 L |
