1998 Maserati Shamal vs. 2012 Lincoln MKZ
To start off, 2012 Lincoln MKZ 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lincoln MKZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Maserati Shamal (322 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2012 Lincoln MKZ. (263 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2012 Lincoln MKZ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lincoln MKZ weights approximately 312 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, 2012 Lincoln MKZ, 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lincoln MKZ. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lincoln MKZ. 2012 Lincoln MKZ 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 Lincoln MKZ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Maserati Shamal | 2012 Lincoln MKZ | |
| Make | Maserati | Lincoln |
| Model | Shamal | MKZ |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3217 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 444 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| 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 | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2728 mm |
