1982 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 30 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1982 Ferrari 308. (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ferrari 308. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | S |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2855 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 90 L |
