1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 25 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 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 505 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Because 1981 Ferrari 308 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz A. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | A |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 60 L |
