2009 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Maserati 420
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1988 Maserati 420. (217 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1988 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Maserati 420. (259 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Maserati 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1988 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | M3 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
