1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 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 2,950 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (227 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 286 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 62 L |
