1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 290 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 SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ferrari 348. (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ferrari 348.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
