1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 348 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,404 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 725 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1988 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 348 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 42 L |
