2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1989 Maserati Shamal
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Maserati Shamal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Maserati Shamal would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Maserati Shamal (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 249 kg more than 1989 Maserati Shamal.
Because 1989 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 1989 Maserati Shamal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1989 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1989 Maserati Shamal has manual transmission. 1989 Maserati Shamal will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1989 Maserati Shamal | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Maserati |
| Model | Malibu | Shamal |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
