1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 15 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 78 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 46 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40. 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, 2003 Volvo S40, 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ferrari 348. (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ferrari 348.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volvo |
| Model | 348 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 62 L |
