Maserati Karif Overview: Generations and Which One to Buy
Overview of the Maserati Karif coupe (1988–1991): its single generation, 225–250 hp versions, and which modifications to choose.
The Maserati Karif is a coupe produced from 1988 to 1991, with power outputs ranging from 225 to 250 hp. All versions send power to the rear wheels, and buyers could choose between manual and automatic transmissions. It suits drivers looking for a compact rear-wheel-drive Italian coupe from the late 1980s with strong output for its 2.8-liter displacement.
Maserati Karif generations
1 generation
The first and only generation of the Maserati Karif was built from 1988 to 1991, exclusively as a coupe. The lineup includes 4 modifications, spanning 225 to 250 hp, all with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a choice of Automatic or Manual gearboxes. The notable versions are the 2.8 MT (250 hp) and the 2.8 AT (250 hp), both powered by a 2790 cc engine. The Maserati Karif 2.8 MT (250 hp) pairs the top output with a manual transmission, while the Maserati Karif 2.8 AT (250 hp) delivers the same 250 hp through an automatic.
Which Maserati Karif to buy
- 2.8 MT (250 hp) (1 generation): the widespread choice, offering the full 250 hp from its 2790 cc engine with a manual gearbox and RWD.
- 2.8 AT (250 hp) (1 generation): the powerful automatic option, matching the top 250 hp output and 2790 cc displacement with a self-shifting gearbox.
On the used market, every Maserati Karif comes from a single short production run (1988–1991), so there are no cross-generation differences to weigh — the choice comes down to transmission and power level. With only 4 modifications in total, one generation, one body style, and one drivetrain layout, comparing specific cars is straightforward: verify which of the four versions you are looking at and whether it sits at the 225 hp or 250 hp end of the range.
The 250 hp versions sit at the top of the Maserati Karif range, a 25 hp advantage over the base 225 hp versions, which makes them the natural first pick when condition and history are equal. Between the two, the Maserati Karif 2.8 MT (250 hp) is the more common version, which can make it easier to find, while the Maserati Karif 2.8 AT (250 hp) offers the same output for those who prefer an automatic.