1998 Maserati Ghibli vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Maserati Ghibli (302 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Ghibli should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 159 kg more than 1998 Maserati Ghibli.
Because 1998 Maserati Ghibli is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Maserati Ghibli. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Maserati Ghibli (334 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Ghibli will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Maserati Ghibli | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ghibli | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2712 mm |
