1996 BMW 318 vs. 1986 Maserati 420
To start off, 1996 BMW 318 is newer by 10 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 103 more horse power than 1996 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 318 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1986 Maserati 420.
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, 1986 Maserati 420 (258 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1986 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 318 | 1986 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | 318 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
