1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 348 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 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 149 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1979 Volvo 260. 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 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260. 1979 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1988 Ferrari 348 has manual transmission. 1988 Ferrari 348 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volvo |
| Model | 348 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2660 mm |
