1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 348 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Saab 900 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 152 more horse power than 1979 Saab 900. (143 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1979 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1979 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ferrari 348 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Ferrari 348. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Saab 900. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Saab |
| Model | 348 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2530 mm |
