1984 Maserati 420 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 27 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1984 Maserati 420. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1984 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 706 kg more than 1984 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Maserati 420. (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Maserati 420 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 420 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1886 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2875 mm |
