1991 Maserati Shamal vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Maserati Shamal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Maserati Shamal would be higher. At 3,217 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Maserati Shamal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Maserati Shamal (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1991 Maserati Shamal.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1991 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1991 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1991 Maserati Shamal has manual transmission. 1991 Maserati Shamal will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Maserati Shamal | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Maserati | BMW |
| Model | Shamal | 520 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2968 mm |
