Performance Review: Maserati Merak SS 3.0 V6 - [1978]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Maserati Merak Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Maserati Merak SS 3.0 V6 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1978. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1979 DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 5.8 V8 and the 1978 BMW M1 3.5 2d Manual.This particular Maserati Merak has a 2965cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The Merak shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Merak's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1350 kgs (2976 lbs) this makes the Maserati Merak SS 3.0 V6 in the same weight category as the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12 or the give or take 50kg.

The Maserati Merak shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 2965cc 12V V6 engine produces 217 bhp (161 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 199 lb-ft (269.8 Nm) @ 4500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (184 lb-ft) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Maserati Merak you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1987 Ford Sierra RS 500 (185.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Maserati Merak.

The Maserati Merak has a Power to weight ratio of 160.7 bhp per ton and 147.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 Merak competing with the 1987 Ford Sierra RS 500 (185.5 bhp per ton) or the 1994 Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4 (185.5 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Maserati Merak generating around 147.4 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1991 Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro (172.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 1951 Ferrari 212 Export (172.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.20 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.4 secs, this made the Maserati Merak SS 3.0 V6 as fast as the 2018 Abarth 695 XSR Yamaha Automated (7.20 secs) the 2015 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD 2.0 TDI DSG (7.20 secs) the 2014 Peugeot 308 GT 1.6 Turbo (7.20 secs) the or the 2013 Volvo S60 T5 2.5 Turbo (7.20 secs). This Maserati Merak SS 3.0 V6 is also faster than the 2019 Peugeot 508 PureTech 225 GT S and S (7.30 secs) the 2013 Vauxhall-Opel Insignia 2.0 SIDI Turbo 4x4 (7.30 secs) the 2013 Seat Leon SC 2.0 TDI FR (7.30 secs) the and the 2013 Subaru BRZ 2L 210ps (7.30 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Merak and the 1998 Maserati Quattroporte 2.8 V6 Biturbo Evoluzione

When talking about the performance of the Maserati Merak on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.05 secs @ 90.9 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1998 Maserati Quattroporte 2.8 V6 Biturbo Evoluzione (14.99 secs), the 2006 Nissan 350Z Roadster 300bhp (15.00 secs), and the 1998 Nissan 300ZX Version S Twin Turbo (15.00 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1978 version of the Maserati Merak SS 3.0 V6 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 1978 Merak equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1978 Maserati Merak SS 3.0 V6 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

1978 Merak Rivals List.

A Brief History of Maserati

Car Comparison