1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 20 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 56 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (174 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (425 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 308. (255 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 308. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | E |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2925 cc | 2604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 425 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
