1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 308. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 900 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 570 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 2008 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 90 L |
