1988 Ferrari 348 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1988 Ferrari 348. (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Ferrari 348. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 330 kg more than 1988 Ferrari 348. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ferrari 348. (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ferrari 348. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ferrari 348 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3404 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 66 L |
