1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 308. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 625 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ferrari 308 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 308 | S |
Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2926 cc | 5439 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 238 HP | 356 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
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 | 1905 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3090 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 88 L |