1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 23 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 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. (221 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 519 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E (300 Nm) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1799 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 78 L |
