1985 Maserati 420 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 407 more horse power than 1985 Maserati 420. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1985 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1648 kg more than 1985 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 693 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Maserati 420. (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Maserati 420 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 420 | CL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2890 mm |
