1997 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Maserati 420
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1989 Maserati 420. (217 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Maserati 420 (258 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1989 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1989 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | M3 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
