2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1997 Maserati Shamal
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Maserati Shamal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Maserati Shamal would be higher. At 3,217 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Maserati Shamal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Maserati Shamal (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Exige. (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Maserati Shamal weights approximately 540 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige. 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, 1997 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Exige. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1997 Maserati Shamal | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Exige | Shamal |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3217 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
