1998 Maserati Shamal vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1998 Maserati Shamal is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,217 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Maserati Shamal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Maserati Shamal (322 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 90 kg more than 1998 Maserati Shamal.
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, 1998 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Maserati Shamal | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Shamal | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2700 mm |
