2008 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Maserati 420
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1985 Maserati 420. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 473 kg more than 1985 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Maserati 420. (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1985 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | M3 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 308 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2610 mm |
