Can I use 8/3 with a ground to hook up electric stove, or do I need 8/4?

Stove, range, or cooktop?

What is the actual voltage rating?
What is the actual kW rating?
Your question is unanswerable without knowing these.

Also, there is no such thing as 8/4. A cable with white, black, red and ground is 8/3.

and you are required to connect equipment in accordance with the installation instructions...that is required by the code.
Do you have the instructions?