1986 Ferrari 208 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1986 Ferrari 208 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 228 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Ferrari 208 (329 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ferrari 208 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 208 | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1132 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
