1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1983 Ferrari 308. (230 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 449 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 308. (255 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 308. 2003 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2925 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 250 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 | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
