1961 Maserati 3500 vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1961 Maserati 3500. (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1961 Maserati 3500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 388 kg more than 1961 Maserati 3500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Maserati 3500 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 1961 Maserati 3500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Maserati 3500. (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Maserati 3500. 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Maserati 3500 | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Maserati | Mazda |
| Model | 3500 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3485 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2751 mm |
