1997 Maserati Shamal vs. 1996 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1997 Maserati Shamal is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Safrane 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 180 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 205 kg more than 1997 Maserati Shamal.
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, 1996 Renault Safrane, 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 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Maserati Shamal | 1996 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Maserati | Renault |
| Model | Shamal | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2770 mm |
