2004 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1989 Maserati Shamal
To start off, 2004 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 15 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 3,215 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Maserati Shamal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Maserati Shamal (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Maserati Shamal weights approximately 260 kg more than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Fiat Barchetta, 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 282 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (162 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1989 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Barchetta | 1989 Maserati Shamal | |
| Make | Fiat | Maserati |
| Model | Barchetta | Shamal |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 3215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2520 mm |
