1998 Maserati Shamal vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 14 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1998 Maserati Shamal. (322 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Maserati Shamal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1998 Maserati Shamal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Maserati Shamal. (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Maserati Shamal. 2012 Alpina B7 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. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Maserati Shamal | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Maserati | Alpina |
| Model | Shamal | B7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3211 mm |
