1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 9 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 170 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 223 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. 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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour 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. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ford |
| Model | 348 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
