1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 21 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), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1983 Ferrari 308. (230 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1983 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 454 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 308. (255 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 308. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
