2009 BMW M3 vs. 1966 Maserati Mistral
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Maserati Mistral. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Maserati Mistral would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Maserati Mistral is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1966 Maserati Mistral. (252 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Maserati Mistral. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1966 Maserati Mistral. 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Maserati Mistral. (363 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Maserati Mistral.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1966 Maserati Mistral | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | M3 | Mistral |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
