1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (268 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 410 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ferrari 348. (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ferrari 348. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 88 L |
