2004 Audi A8 vs. 1996 Maserati Shamal
To start off, 2004 Audi A8 is newer by 8 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 91 more horse power than 2004 Audi A8. (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A8 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1996 Maserati Shamal.
Because 2004 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Maserati Shamal. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Audi A8 (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Maserati Shamal. (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Maserati Shamal. 2004 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1996 Maserati Shamal has manual transmission. 1996 Maserati Shamal will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A8 | 1996 Maserati Shamal | |
| Make | Audi | Maserati |
| Model | A8 | Shamal |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 3217 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
