1985 Maserati 420 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 27 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1985 Maserati 420. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1985 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 868 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.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Maserati 420. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Maserati 420. (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Maserati 420 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Maserati | BMW |
| Model | 420 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2968 mm |
