1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1983 Ferrari 308. (230 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1983 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 308. (255 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 308. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1983 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1983 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2925 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
