Ferrari Dino 208/308 GT4: Which Version Should You Choose?
The Ferrari Dino 208/308 GT4 catalogue covers one Coupe generation produced from 1974 to 1980, with 11 listed versions. Because every entry uses a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD, the main buying decision is between the 2.0 MT and 2.9 MT versions—and, within those names, between different power outputs, induction systems, valve counts, weights, and brake specifications.
The Ferrari Dino 208/308 GT4 catalogue covers one Coupe generation produced from 1974 to 1980, with 11 listed versions. Because every entry uses a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD, the main buying decision is between the 2.0 MT and 2.9 MT versions—and, within those names, between different power outputs, induction systems, valve counts, weights, and brake specifications. The 2.0 MT range offers 155, 170, or 220 hp, while the 2.9 MT range provides 214, 240, or 255 hp. The 220 hp 2.0 MT is the only Turbo version in the data; all listed 2.9 MT versions have no boost.
Generation and version range
There is one generation: the 1974–1980 Ferrari Dino 208/308 GT4 Coupe. It contains 11 catalogue entries rather than 11 separate generations or body styles. Several entries share the same version name, so power is essential for identifying them correctly.
The 2.0 MT appears with 155 hp, 170 hp, and 220 hp. There are also two 155 hp records and two 220 hp records, distinguished by weight or front-brake specification where that information differs. The 2.9 MT appears with 214 hp, 240 hp, and 255 hp, again with repeated records that carry different weights, brakes, or top-speed figures.
Engine and transmission specs
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel type | Cylinders and layout | Valves per cylinder | Boost | Fuel system | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 MT (155 hp, 1232 kg) | 155 hp at 6800 rpm | 170 Nm at 4200 rpm | 1991 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | 2 | No | Carburetor | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.0 MT (170 hp) | 170 hp at 7700 rpm | not measured | 1991 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | 2 | No | Carburetor | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.0 MT (220 hp, 1232 kg) | 220 hp at 7000 rpm | 240 Nm at 4800 rpm | 1991 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | 2 | Turbo | Central injection (single-point or single- point) | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.9 MT (240 hp, 1275 kg) | 240 hp at 5000 rpm | 260 Nm; rpm not measured | 2926 cc | Gasoline; 92 specified | 8, V-shaped | 4 | No | Central injection (single-point or single- point) | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.9 MT (255 hp, 1150 kg) | 255 hp at 7700 rpm | not measured | 2926 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | 2 | No | Carburetor | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.9 MT (214 hp, 1286 kg) | 214 hp at 6600 rpm | 243 Nm at 4600 rpm | 2926 cc | Gasoline; 92 specified | 8, V-shaped | 2 | No | Central injection (single-point or single- point) | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.0 MT (155 hp, 1254 kg) | 155 hp at 6800 rpm | 170 Nm at 4200 rpm | 1991 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | 2 | No | Carburetor | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.0 MT (220 hp, weight not measured) | 220 hp at 7000 rpm | 240 Nm at 4800 rpm | 1991 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | 2 | Turbo | Central injection (single-point or single- point) | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.9 MT (214 hp, 1297 kg) | 214 hp at 6600 rpm | 243 Nm at 4600 rpm | 2926 cc | Gasoline; 92 specified | 8, V-shaped | 2 | No | Central injection (single-point or single- point) | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.9 MT (240 hp, 1286 kg) | 240 hp at 5000 rpm | 260 Nm; rpm not measured | 2926 cc | Gasoline; 92 specified | 8, V-shaped | 4 | No | Central injection (single-point or single- point) | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2.9 MT (255 hp, 1090 kg) | 255 hp at 7700 rpm | not measured | 2926 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | 2 | No | Carburetor | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
Calculated from the supplied displacement and power figures, the naturally aspirated 2.0 MT versions produce approximately 77.9 hp per litre at 155 hp and 85.4 hp per litre at 170 hp. The Turbo 220 hp 2.0 MT reaches about 110.5 hp per litre. Among the 2.9 MT versions, the corresponding results are approximately 73.1 hp per litre at 214 hp, 82.0 hp per litre at 240 hp, and 87.1 hp per litre at 255 hp.
Performance, top speed, and economy
No 0–100 km/h time is measured for any version. City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption, combined fuel consumption, and CO₂ output are also not measured throughout the range. Consequently, the supplied figures cannot support an acceleration or mpg comparison.
Top speed does provide a clear hierarchy. The 155 hp 2.0 MT reaches 215 km/h, while the 170 hp 2.0 MT reaches 220 km/h. The Turbo 220 hp 2.0 MT is listed at 242 km/h, giving it a 27 km/h advantage over the 155 hp version and a 22 km/h advantage over the 170 hp version.
The 214 hp 2.9 MT reaches 240 km/h. The 240 hp 2.9 MT reaches 255 km/h, while the two 255 hp 2.9 MT records are listed at 250 and 252 km/h. The highest recorded top speed therefore belongs to the 240 hp 2.9 MT, despite the availability of a 255 hp version.
Every version has a 74-litre tank. Because fuel-consumption figures are not measured, range is not measured and cannot be calculated from the available data.
Dimensions, weight, and chassis specs
External dimensions and wheel sizes are not measured for any listed version. Gross weight is also not measured. Ground clearance is consistently 120 mm, and fuel-tank capacity is consistently 74 litres.
Kerb weight varies substantially:
| Version | Kerb weight | Weight per horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 MT (155 hp) | 1232 kg | 7.95 kg/hp |
| 2.0 MT (170 hp) | 1150 kg | 6.76 kg/hp |
| 2.0 MT (220 hp) | 1232 kg | 5.60 kg/hp |
| 2.9 MT (240 hp) | 1275 kg | 5.31 kg/hp |
| 2.9 MT (255 hp) | 1150 kg | 4.51 kg/hp |
| 2.9 MT (214 hp) | 1286 kg | 6.01 kg/hp |
| 2.0 MT (155 hp) | 1254 kg | 8.09 kg/hp |
| 2.0 MT (220 hp) | not measured | not measured |
| 2.9 MT (214 hp) | 1297 kg | 6.06 kg/hp |
| 2.9 MT (240 hp) | 1286 kg | 5.36 kg/hp |
| 2.9 MT (255 hp) | 1090 kg | 4.27 kg/hp |
The lightest measured entry is the 1090 kg, 255 hp 2.9 MT. It is 164 kg lighter than the heaviest 2.0 MT at 1254 kg and 207 kg lighter than the heaviest 2.9 MT at 1297 kg. Its calculated 4.27 kg/hp is also the strongest weight-to-power result in the supplied data. At the other end, the 1254 kg, 155 hp 2.0 MT has 8.09 kg/hp.
All versions use Independent, spring suspension at both ends. Rear brakes are Disc where measured, though the rear-brake specification is not measured for the 1090 kg, 255 hp 2.9 MT. Early catalogue entries list Disc front brakes, while later entries list Ventilated disc front brakes.
Which Dino 208/308 GT4 version should you buy?
Choose the 155 hp 2.0 MT if the lowest listed output is acceptable and simplicity matters more than performance. It uses a Carburetor, has no boost, produces 170 Nm at 4200 rpm, and reaches 215 km/h. Between its two weight records, the 1232 kg entry is 22 kg lighter than the 1254 kg entry, while the latter is the one listed with Ventilated disc front brakes.
The 170 hp 2.0 MT is the middle naturally aspirated 2.0-litre choice. It adds 15 hp over the 155 hp 2.0 MT and raises top speed by 5 km/h. At 1150 kg, it is 82 kg lighter than the 1232 kg version of the 155 hp car and 104 kg lighter than the 1254 kg version. Torque is not measured, so its flexibility cannot be compared numerically.
Choose the 220 hp 2.0 MT when output per litre is the priority. Turbo induction and Central injection (single-point or single- point) lift output by 65 hp over the 155 hp 2.0 MT, while measured torque rises by 70 Nm. Its 242 km/h top speed exceeds the 214 hp 2.9 MT by 2 km/h, although the latter supplies 3 Nm more torque.
The 214 hp 2.9 MT suits a buyer who wants the larger 2926 cc engine with measured torque and no boost. It produces 243 Nm at 4600 rpm and reaches 240 km/h. The 1286 kg record is 11 kg lighter than the otherwise comparable 1297 kg record; the 1297 kg entry is listed with Ventilated disc front brakes.
The 240 hp 2.9 MT is the choice for the highest measured top speed and torque. Its 260 Nm is 17 Nm above the 214 hp version and 20 Nm above the Turbo 220 hp 2.0 MT. Its 255 km/h maximum is 15 km/h faster than the 214 hp 2.9 MT and 13 km/h faster than the Turbo 2.0 MT. Between the two 240 hp entries, the 1275 kg example is 11 kg lighter than the 1286 kg record, while the latter has Ventilated disc front brakes.
Finally, the 255 hp 2.9 MT offers the highest listed power and the best calculated weight-to-power figures. The 1150 kg record achieves 4.51 kg/hp, while the 1090 kg record improves that to 4.27 kg/hp. The lighter entry saves 60 kg, has Ventilated disc front brakes, and is listed at 252 km/h rather than 250 km/h. Its torque, 0–100 km/h time, fuel consumption, gross weight, wheel sizes, and rear-brake type are not measured.
On the supplied numbers alone, the 1090 kg, 255 hp 2.9 MT is the strongest power-to-weight choice; the 240 hp 2.9 MT is the top-speed and measured-torque choice; and the Turbo 220 hp 2.0 MT delivers the highest calculated power per litre. Price data is not available, so no claim can be made about which version offers the best value for money.