1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ferrari 308 (230 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 324 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 308. (255 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 308. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2925 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
