1990 Maserati 420 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1990 Maserati 420. (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 700 kg more than 1990 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Maserati 420. (258 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Maserati 420. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1990 Maserati 420 has manual transmission. 1990 Maserati 420 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Maserati 420 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 420 | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2890 mm |
