1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1991 Volvo 850
To start off, 1991 Volvo 850 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ferrari 348. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ferrari 348 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 127 more horse power than 1991 Volvo 850. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1991 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1991 Volvo 850. 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, 1991 Volvo 850, 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Volvo 850. (230 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1991 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volvo |
| Model | 348 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 58 L |
