1983 Maserati 420 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 392 more horse power than 1983 Maserati 420. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1983 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1983 Maserati 420. 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Maserati 420. (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Maserati 420 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | 420 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
