1986 Maserati 228 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Maserati 228 has a curb weight of approximately 1240 kg (2734 lbs), which refers to the vehicle weight without passengers or cargo but includes necessary operational fluids like fuel and oil. Its maximum weight rating is 1800 kg (3968 lbs), which accounts for the total vehicle weight when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. This weight range reflects the car’s design focus on combining sporty performance with comfortable luxury, maintaining an agile feel while protecting structural integrity and safety.

The Maserati 228 offers a luggage capacity of 530 liters (approximately 18.7 cubic feet), which is quite generous for a two-door coupe of its era. This sizable trunk space allows for practical use during weekend trips or daily errands, accommodating several medium-sized suitcases or grocery bags comfortably. The ample cargo volume enhances the car's versatility, making it a suitable choice not only for sporty driving but also for practical leisure and travel needs.

The Maserati 228 is equipped with 15-inch rims paired with tires sized 205/55 R15. These dimensions contribute to the vehicle’s balanced ride and handling characteristics, providing enough sidewall height for comfort while ensuring responsive and stable cornering. The tire and rim combination exemplifies the blend of sportiness and luxury expected from Maserati during this generation, ensuring a confident grip on various road surfaces.

Yes, the Maserati 228 generally fits into a standard garage comfortably. With a length of 4460 mm (175.6 inches) and a width of 1865 mm (73.4 inches), it occupies a moderate amount of space typical for mid-sized coupes of the mid-1980s to early 1990s. Standard garages, which typically accommodate vehicles up to about 6 meters (close to 20 feet) in length and around 3 meters (about 10 feet) in width, can house the Maserati 228 without issue, leaving adequate room for opening doors and maneuvering.

The Maserati 228 is notably smaller and sportier compared to the Maserati Quattroporte (QP) of the early 1980s. While the Quattroporte is a full-size luxury sedan with a much larger footprint, the 228 is a two-door coupe focused on sleek design and dynamic driving. The 228's length at 4460 mm (175.6 inches) is significantly less than the Quattroporte's, which typically exceeds 5000 mm (196.9 inches). This size difference results in the 228 being more agile and sport-oriented, contrasting with the Quattroporte’s emphasis on spaciousness and executive comfort.

When compared with contemporaries like the BMW 6 Series E24 (1982-1989) or the Mercedes-Benz SEC (C126) coupes (1981-1991), the Maserati 228 holds its own as a similarly sized luxury performance car. The 228’s length of 4460 mm (175.6 inches) is slightly shorter than these German rivals, which often exceed 4700 mm (185 inches), contributing to a more compact, agile profile. Its width of 1865 mm (73.4 inches) is competitive, supporting a wide track and stable handling. Overall, the 228 offers an appealing blend of Italian style and manageable size in the luxury coupe market of its time.

The height of the Maserati 228 is 1330 mm (52.4 inches), which is relatively low for a coupe. This low profile reduces aerodynamic drag, enhances high-speed stability, and lowers the center of gravity, which collectively improve handling and cornering performance. The aggressive stance also accentuates its sporty character, allowing the driver to feel more connected to the road while contributing to the car’s elegant, sleek aesthetics.

With a curb weight of 1240 kg (2734 lbs) and a maximum weight of 1800 kg (3968 lbs), the Maserati 228 strikes a balance that supports sporty performance while maintaining a reasonable weight for its class. The relatively light curb weight helps the car accelerate briskly and enhances handling agility, while the maximum weight capacity allows for carrying passengers and luggage without compromising safety or dynamics. Fuel efficiency is influenced by these weights in conjunction with engine tuning, and the 228's weight was considered competitive for a luxury sports coupe during its production era.

While specific ground clearance and wheelbase data for the Maserati 228 are less commonly published, the car's overall dimensions and design intent provide insight. The low height (1330 mm / 52.4 inches) combined with 15-inch wheels and relatively wide tires (205/55 R15) suggest a setup aimed at sporty handling with moderate ride comfort. The wheelbase, typically around 2500-2600 mm in cars of this size range, contributes to good stability and smoothness over various road conditions. These elements make the 228 agile in corners yet comfortable enough for longer drives, capturing Maserati's focus on combining performance with luxury.