1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 11 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 80 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (215 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 60 L |
