1998 Maserati Shamal vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1998 Maserati Shamal is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Laurel 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 169 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 70 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 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1998 Maserati Shamal has manual transmission. 1998 Maserati Shamal will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Maserati Shamal | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Maserati | Nissan |
| Model | Shamal | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
