1996 Maserati Shamal vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Maserati Shamal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Maserati Shamal 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 247 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Maserati Shamal weights approximately 215 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Maserati Shamal | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shamal | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
