1990 Ferrari 348 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 21 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 177 more horse power than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1990 Ferrari 348.
Because 1990 Ferrari 348 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 1990 Ferrari 348. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 1990 Ferrari 348 (324 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 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. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ferrari 348 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 348 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3405 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
