1996 BMW 540 vs. 1964 Maserati Mistral
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Maserati Mistral. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Maserati Mistral would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1964 Maserati Mistral. (232 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1964 Maserati Mistral. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1964 Maserati Mistral. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Maserati Mistral. (315 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Maserati Mistral. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1964 Maserati Mistral has manual transmission. 1964 Maserati Mistral will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1964 Maserati Mistral | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | 540 | Mistral |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3486 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
