1978 Audi 100 vs. 1961 Maserati 3500
To start off, 1978 Audi 100 is newer by 17 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 147 more horse power than 1978 Audi 100. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Maserati 3500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Maserati 3500 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1978 Audi 100. 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, 1978 Audi 100, 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, 1961 Maserati 3500 (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Audi 100. (124 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1961 Maserati 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Audi 100 | 1961 Maserati 3500 | |
| Make | Audi | Maserati |
| Model | 100 | 3500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3485 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2610 mm |
