1983 Ferrari 208 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1983 Ferrari 208 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1983 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1983 Ferrari 208. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 208. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1983 Ferrari 208 has manual transmission. 1983 Ferrari 208 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 208 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
