1986 Maserati 420 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Maserati 420 (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 357 kg more than 1986 Maserati 420.
Because 1986 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 1986 Maserati 420. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Maserati 420. (258 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Maserati 420 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | 420 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2712 mm |
