1996 BMW 540 vs. 1982 Maserati 420
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1982 Maserati 420. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1982 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1982 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Maserati 420. (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1982 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | 540 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 308 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2610 mm |
