1984 Ferrari 208 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1984 Ferrari 208 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ferrari 208 (217 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 325 kg more than 1984 Ferrari 208.
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, 1984 Ferrari 208 (240 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ferrari 208 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | S |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 65 L |
