1972 Maserati Merak Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a width of 1768 mm (69.6 inches) including open mirrors, the Maserati Merak is relatively narrow compared to many modern vehicles. This narrower width allows for easier maneuvering through tight city streets and parking spaces, which is beneficial for urban driving. However, the outward-opening doors and mirror width should still be considered when parking in narrow spaces to avoid damage.

Standing at a height of 1134 mm (44.6 inches), the Maserati Merak is quite low compared to average cars. This low stance enhances its aerodynamic profile and sporty aesthetics but can limit interior headroom. Drivers and passengers should expect a cozy cabin with a reclining seating position, which adds to the sports car feel but might reduce visibility and make ingress and egress a bit more challenging.

The Maserati Merak, with its length of 4335 mm (170.7 inches) and width of 1768 mm (69.6 inches), is well-suited to fit into a standard residential garage. Typically, residential garages measure approximately 2400 to 2700 mm in width and 4800 to 6000 mm in length, which comfortably accommodates the Merak’s dimensions. Its low height of 1134 mm (44.6 inches) also poses no clearance issues. Owners should still consider the opened mirrors width when maneuvering inside confined garage spaces.

The Maserati Merak's predecessor was the Maserati Bora, another mid-engined sports coupe. Compared to the Bora, the Merak is slightly more compact in length and height, with a subtler design aimed at blending performance with daily usability. The Merak uses a smaller V6 engine compared to the Bora’s V8, resulting in marginally lighter weight and better fuel economy. Dimensionally, the Merak measures around 4335 mm in length compared to the Bora’s approximately 4480 mm, making the Merak slightly shorter but maintaining an aggressive sporty stance.

When compared with other mid-1970s European coupes like the Ferrari 308 GT4 or the De Tomaso Pantera, the Maserati Merak stands out as moderately sized. Its 4335 mm length (170.7 inches) and 1768 mm width (69.6 inches) make it slightly smaller and narrower than some of its contemporaries, offering an advantage in everyday drivability and parking. The Merak frequently balances sports car aesthetics with usable dimensions, making it both a distinct and practical grand tourer in its class.

The Maserati Merak’s compact exterior dimensions translate to an intimate cabin space. With just 1134 mm (44.6 inches) height, the interior has limited vertical space, which fits with the car’s sporty, low-slung design. Seating is designed primarily for two passengers with a small rear storage area, typical of mid-engine coupes of its time. This setup prioritizes driver engagement and style over passenger comfort or cargo capacity, making the Merak ideal for short spirited drives rather than extended touring for four occupants.

While exact ground clearance figures vary slightly by model year, the Maserati Merak’s relatively low height (1134 mm or 44.6 inches) means it has modest ground clearance typical for a sports coupe of its era. This low profile improves stability and aerodynamic efficiency at speed but requires caution on rough or uneven roads. Its compact dimensions enable a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling precision, although the ride may be firmer compared to larger or more comfort-oriented vehicles.

The Maserati Merak’s compact dimensions directly influence its weight and performance balance. Typically, the Merak weighs approximately 1200 to 1300 kg (2645 to 2866 lbs), which is relatively light for a mid-70s grand tourer. Its smaller footprint and lighter weight contribute to nimble handling and quicker acceleration, especially considering its mid-mounted V6 engine. This weighing balance positions the Merak as an agile and lively alternative to heavier V8 counterparts.

Yes, the stated width of 1768 mm (69.6 inches) for the Maserati Merak includes the opened mirrors, which extend the car’s footprint notably beyond the body. These wider mirrors improve driver visibility and safety when driving but require extra caution when parking or maneuvering through narrow spaces. While the Merak is relatively narrow in body width, drivers should always account for mirror width to avoid scrapes or collisions in tight environments.