2009 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1998 Maserati Shamal
To start off, 2009 Buick LaCrosse 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 5,325 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Maserati Shamal (322 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 Buick LaCrosse. (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Maserati Shamal should accelerate faster than 2009 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 538 kg more than 1998 Maserati Shamal.
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, 2009 Buick LaCrosse, 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick LaCrosse. (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Maserati Shamal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick LaCrosse. 2009 Buick LaCrosse 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 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick LaCrosse | 1998 Maserati Shamal | |
| Make | Buick | Maserati |
| Model | LaCrosse | Shamal |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5325 cc | 3217 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 438 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
