1982 Ferrari 308 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1982 Ferrari 308. (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1555 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ferrari 308. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ferrari 308 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | SL |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2855 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 80 L |
