1989 Ferrari 208 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Ferrari 208 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1988 Saab 9000. (136 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1988 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1989 Ferrari 208.
Because 1989 Ferrari 208 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 1989 Ferrari 208. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Ferrari 208 (328 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Saab 9000. (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ferrari 208 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Saab |
| Model | 208 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 54 L |
