1997 Maserati Shamal vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Maserati Shamal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Maserati Shamal 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 217 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 185 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1997 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Maserati Shamal | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
Model | Shamal | Passat |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 321 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 444 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1505 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2712 mm |