1961 Maserati 3500 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Maserati 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Maserati 3500 would be higher. At 3,485 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Maserati 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Maserati 3500 (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Maserati 3500 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1961 Maserati 3500.
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, 1961 Maserati 3500 (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1961 Maserati 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1961 Maserati 3500 has manual transmission. 1961 Maserati 3500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Maserati 3500 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Maserati | BMW |
| Model | 3500 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3485 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2968 mm |
