1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 28 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 77 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 304 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, 1981 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 80 L |
