1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 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), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ferrari 348. (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ferrari 348. 2004 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 401 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 - Premium |
| 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 | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 88 L |
