1982 Ferrari 308 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 21 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1982 Ferrari 308. (239 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1982 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 774 kg more than 1982 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 535 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ferrari 308. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ferrari 308. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1982 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1982 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ferrari 308 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1286 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3090 mm |
