1996 Maserati Shamal vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 192 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (129 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 276 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (335 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Maserati Shamal | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shamal | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
