1997 Maserati Shamal vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Maserati Shamal is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Maserati Shamal. (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Maserati Shamal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 Maserati Shamal. 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. 1971 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1997 Maserati Shamal has manual transmission. 1997 Maserati Shamal will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Maserati Shamal | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Maserati | Pontiac |
| Model | Shamal | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
