1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1983 Maserati Quattroporte
To start off, 1983 Maserati Quattroporte is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 4,930 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Maserati Quattroporte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Maserati Quattroporte (276 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Maserati Quattroporte should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Maserati Quattroporte weights approximately 380 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1983 Maserati Quattroporte (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1983 Maserati Quattroporte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1983 Maserati Quattroporte has automatic transmission and 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 has manual transmission. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Maserati Quattroporte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1983 Maserati Quattroporte | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Maserati |
| Model | 240 | Quattroporte |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 4930 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2810 mm |
