1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 30 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (254 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 308. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 2011 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 90 L |
