1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 348 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 323 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 192 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323. 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, 1985 Mazda 323, 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 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 348 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
