1982 Ferrari 308 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ferrari 308 (239 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (219 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1982 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ferrari 308. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ferrari 308 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2460 mm |
