1984 Maserati 420 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Maserati 420 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 30 kg more than 1984 Maserati 420.
Because 1984 Maserati 420 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 1984 Maserati 420. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1984 Maserati 420 (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1984 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Maserati 420 | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | 420 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
