1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Maserati Shamal
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Maserati Shamal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Maserati Shamal would be higher. At 3,215 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Maserati Shamal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Maserati Shamal (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Maserati Shamal weights approximately 615 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1989 Maserati Shamal | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Elise | Shamal |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
