1996 Maserati Shamal vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2001 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 5 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Maserati Shamal (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. (235 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 380 kg more than 1996 Maserati Shamal.
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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis, 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. (320 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. 2001 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 1996 Maserati Shamal has manual transmission. 1996 Maserati Shamal will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Maserati Shamal | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Maserati | Renault |
| Model | Shamal | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
