1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 Ferrari 348
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ferrari 348. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ferrari 348 would be higher. At 3,404 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Ferrari 348. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1988 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 Ferrari 348 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 156 | 348 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3404 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
