1990 Ferrari 348 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ferrari 348. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ferrari 348 would be higher. At 3,405 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 345 kg more than 1990 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, 1990 Ferrari 348 (324 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1990 Ferrari 348 has manual transmission. 1990 Ferrari 348 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ferrari 348 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3405 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
