1997 Maserati Shamal vs. 1981 Seat Ritmo
To start off, 1997 Maserati Shamal is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Seat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Seat Ritmo would be higher. At 3,217 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Maserati Shamal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Maserati Shamal (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1981 Seat Ritmo. (63 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 1981 Seat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Maserati Shamal weights approximately 438 kg more than 1981 Seat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Maserati Shamal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Seat Ritmo, 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, 1997 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Seat Ritmo. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Seat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Maserati Shamal | 1981 Seat Ritmo | |
| Make | Maserati | Seat |
| Model | Shamal | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2460 mm |
