1998 Maserati Shamal vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 10 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 169 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 512 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, 2008 Mercury Mariner, 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 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner 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. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Maserati Shamal | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercury |
| Model | Shamal | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
