1996 Maserati Shamal vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 16 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 213 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1510 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Maserati Shamal | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Shamal | A |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
