1996 Maserati Shamal vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1996 Maserati Shamal is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Beetle 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 278 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Maserati Shamal weights approximately 500 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Maserati Shamal is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Maserati Shamal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Maserati Shamal | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
Model | Shamal | Beetle |
Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 321 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 444 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |