Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, his Maserati sports car was produced from the year 1972 to 1983. Based closely off the Maserati Bora model, the Merak shared similarities such as the structure and engine. Running off a V6 engine instead of a V8, the Merak didn’t generate as much power behind its 5-speed acceleration. On behalf of the smaller engine, the Merak was able to provide more space for passengers along with being able to sell with a lower price. As an alternative to the Bora, the Merak was more family friendly. After three different models were released, the Bora still maintained popularity over the Merak for its V8 engine.