1990 Ferrari 348 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 31 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (264 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 350 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ferrari 348. (324 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ferrari 348. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ferrari 348 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 348 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3405 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
