2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 1998 Maserati Shamal
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Maserati Shamal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Maserati Shamal would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Maserati Shamal (322 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 Ford Taurus X. (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Taurus X. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Maserati Shamal weights approximately 213 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Maserati Shamal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X, 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, 1998 Maserati Shamal (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus X. (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus X. 2008 Ford Taurus X has automatic transmission and 1998 Maserati Shamal has manual transmission. 1998 Maserati Shamal will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 1998 Maserati Shamal | |
| Make | Ford | Maserati |
| Model | Taurus X | Shamal |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3217 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
