1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1981 Maserati Merak
To start off, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Maserati Merak. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Maserati Merak would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (370 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1981 Maserati Merak. (157 HP @ 7100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1981 Maserati Merak. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 470 kg more than 1981 Maserati Merak. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1981 Maserati Merak | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Maserati |
| Model | V8 Vantage | Merak |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2610 mm |
