2000 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1996 Maserati Shamal
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Maserati Shamal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Maserati Shamal would be higher. At 3,217 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Maserati Shamal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Maserati Shamal (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Maserati Shamal weights approximately 160 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Maserati Shamal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1996 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1996 Maserati Shamal | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Maserati |
| Model | 146 | Shamal |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 3217 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
