1998 Maserati Shamal vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Maserati Shamal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Maserati Shamal 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 84 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. (238 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 750 kg more than 1998 Maserati Shamal.
Because 1998 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 1998 Maserati Shamal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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, 1998 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Maserati Shamal | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | Shamal | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2890 mm |
