1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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 35 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (203 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 66 L |
