Maserati Ghibli

vs

BMW 3.0 CSi

Italy vs West Germany — 1970 vs 1971

Maserati Ghibli (1970)
BMW 3.0 CSi (1971)
Specifications
Ghibli SS Spyder3.0 CSi Fuel-Injected Coupe
Horsepower335 hp200 hp
Torque192 lb-ft
Engine Size4,930 cc2,985 cc
0-60 mph7.0 sec
Top Speed137 mph
¼ Mile15.0 sec
Weight3,086 lbs
Wheelbase2,550 mm2,625 mm
Length4,590 mm4,660 mm
Units Produced1258,199
Original MSRP$10,500
Value (Excellent)$1,500,000$180,000
Collectibility5/108/10
Rarity10/107/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder brings more power, greater rarity to the table, and the 1971 BMW 3.0 CSi Fuel-Injected Coupe answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between Italy and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder versus 1971 BMW 3.0 CSi Fuel-Injected Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder holds a clear advantage in raw power with 335 hp compared to 200 hp, a 135-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Maserati Ghibli uses a V8 displacing 4,930 cc, while the BMW 3.0 CSi relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 2,985 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 125 units built, the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder is considerably scarcer than the BMW 3.0 CSi's 8,199 examples. On the collector market, the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder commands a significant premium over the 1971 BMW 3.0 CSi Fuel-Injected Coupe, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 BMW 3.0 CSi Fuel-Injected Coupe rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.