1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 3,404 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 221 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 348 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
