2008 Ferrari F430 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 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 381 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 169 kg more than 1976 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 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ferrari F430 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4309 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 490 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 65 L |
