1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 4,309 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 356 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 2008 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ferrari |
| Model | 230 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 4309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 315 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 18.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 110 L |
