2009 BMW 550 vs. 1998 Maserati Shamal
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 11 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (657 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1998 Maserati Shamal. (322 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 Maserati Shamal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1998 Maserati Shamal. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Maserati Shamal. (444 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Maserati Shamal. 2009 BMW 550 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. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1998 Maserati Shamal | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | 550 | Shamal |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 3217 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 657 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
