1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 10 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 33 more horse power than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 288 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 308. (255 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2925 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
