1989 Ferrari 348 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Ferrari 348 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,405 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (188 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1989 Ferrari 348 has manual transmission. 1989 Ferrari 348 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ferrari 348 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3405 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 275 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| 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 | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3080 mm |
