1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 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 105 more horse power than 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 295 kg more than 1988 Ferrari 348.
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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
