1982 Ferrari 208 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1982 Ferrari 208 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ferrari 208 (217 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1982 Ferrari 208.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ferrari 208. (240 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ferrari 208 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 65 L |
