1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 1988 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 290 kg more than 1988 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider 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 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus, 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, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 1988 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ford |
| Model | 355 Spider | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2700 mm |
