1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 308. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 289 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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Ferrari | Nissan |
| Model | 308 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 72 L |
