1988 Maserati 420 vs. 1978 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1988 Maserati 420 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Maserati 420 (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Maserati 420 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Maserati 420. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 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, 1988 Maserati 420 (259 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Maserati 420 | 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Maserati | Suzuki |
| Model | 420 | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 1940 mm |
