1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1988 Ferrari 348
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 11 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 153 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145, 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 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1988 Ferrari 348 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 145 | 348 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3404 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 95 L |
