1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 29 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 331 more horse power than 1983 Ferrari 308. (205 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1983 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 750 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 553 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ferrari 308. (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ferrari 308. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 308 | CL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2855 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
