1998 Maserati Ghibli vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Maserati Ghibli. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Maserati Ghibli would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1998 Maserati Ghibli. (302 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Maserati Ghibli. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1998 Maserati Ghibli. 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Maserati Ghibli. (334 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Maserati Ghibli.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Maserati Ghibli | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Maserati | BMW |
| Model | Ghibli | M3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2761 mm |
