1984 Ferrari 288 GTO vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO 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 2,855 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (395 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO 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 385 kg more than 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO.
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 288 GTO (506 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 288 GTO | S |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2855 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 506 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 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 | 1225 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 65 L |
