1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 348 is newer by 12 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 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 186 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 109 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, 1988 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 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 | 1465 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 65 L |
