1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 7 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 2,925 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ferrari 308 (230 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 18 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 Ferrari 308 (255 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1983 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2925 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 204 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 | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2940 mm |
