GS F Handily Defeats Ghibli S Q4 in Comparison Test
Maserati’s Ghilbli may have a lot of flair, but Lexus outfitted the GS F with an impressive powertrain that couldn’t be matched by Italy.
In some ways, the Lexus GS F and Maserati Ghibli S Q4 are a study in sharp contrasts. The GS F originated from a high volume luxury brand that carved out a slice of the market by producing extremely high quality vehicles. The Ghibli couldn’t be more different. It basically represents an automaker known for passionate, attractive looking cars that aren’t really recognized for their longevity. Maseratis are fairly exclusive too: in 2014, the company capped production at 75,000 vehicles per year.
Are there any buyers cross shopping a GS F with a Ghibli? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean a comparison between the two performance sedans is unwarranted. Sean Patel of Track Day recently evaluated both cars. After several tests at speed, one victor emerged. It wasn’t the Maserati. Yes, Lexus can build a legitimate sport sedan when it wants to.
Sizing up the Italian
Patel doesn’t hide his disdain for the Ghibli. “Maserati, please give us the V8 you put in the Quattroporte and please for the love of god make a reliable car with an interior that isn’t borrowed from a damn Charger,” Patel recently said on Instagram. At the beginning of the video, he does outright state that the Maserati is his least favorite car. Fortunately, Patel focused on giving both cars a fair shot. That’s because both sedans put up surprisingly similar numbers. And the Ghibli is no slouch. “The 0-60 time is a little slower at 4.7 seconds. But the top speed is 178 mph and the quarter mile is pegged at 12.8 seconds at around 109 mph,” says Patel. Compared to the Lexus, the Ghibli is slightly slower to 60 but has a higher top speed. It’s also 0.1 seconds quicker in the quarter mile.
Performance numbers aside, the biggest difference between the two sedans are their powertrains. Maserati equipped the S Q4 with a Ferrari-built twin turbo 3.0 liter V6. Lexus outfitted the GS F with a naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8. Horsepower bragging rights belong to the Lexus while Maserati gets to claim the torque crown. Overall, it’s a very even fight.
Lexus vs. Maserati
Unlike most automotive outlets, Patel and his colleagues test cars out at speed. They conducted 3 tests. First up: a 40-130 mph race. The GS F easily beats the S Q4. Their second test is conducted between 50-140 mph. The Maserati easily wins, but it looks like Patel simply accelerated more skillfully than whoever was piloting the Lexus. Finally, the group races from 40-140 mph. Once again, the Lexus prevails. It’s an extremely solid victory for the GS F. “I wasn’t expecting that. But low key, I was,” says Patel. Despite having similar performance on paper, the Lexus thrives under certain conditions.
An Unconventional Comparison
People might question the value of racing two vehicles at speed. While it’s not the most useful type of test, in this case it is intelligently applied to highlight what Lexus can accomplish. Patel proved that brands commonly known for more rational products can perform just as well, if not better, than products manufactured by automakers who more explicitly tout their performance heritage. He also demonstrated why Maserati needs to update the Ghibli. “I believe Maserati should either give us a Trofeo version, or just discontinue the damn thing because in a world of GS Fs, why do you need a Ghibli?” says Patel. Car shoppers may think a comparison between Lexus and Maserati is silly, but the truth, and the numbers, speak for themselves. Lexus is known for smart, well appointed, and reliable luxury vehicles. However, they can also create dynamic vehicles when they want to. Hopefully Lexus has more of that in its future.
