1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 1999 McLaren F1
To start off, 1999 McLaren F1 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 6,061 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 380 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 308. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1999 McLaren F1.
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, 1999 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 1999 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Ferrari | McLaren |
| Model | 308 | F1 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 6061 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2720 mm |
