1996 Maserati Shamal vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1996 Maserati Shamal is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,217 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Maserati Shamal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Maserati Shamal (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Maserati Shamal weights approximately 500 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Maserati Shamal | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shamal | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
