maserati granturismo vs mercedes cl550
10-31-09 | 08:09 PM
#31
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: California
i had the same dilemma when picking out my new car.! i was choosing from the Maserati GT, CL63 AMG, and the Porsche 911 turbo.
at the end....
i got the Maserati GT! i don't regret it one bit. someone said that its for shorter people, but the car is humongous! my boyfriend is 6'2 and when he drives it, he doesn't put the seat back all the way. it has a large footprint compared to most cars out there.
my friend also just got the CL63 AMG and when both our cars are side by side, mine def outshines hers. more people were amazed at seeing my car than they were with the CL.
Overall, maserati gives the best combination of exotic, sporty, luxury, and exclusivity. The CL is more sporty and luxury but in LA, there are tons around so not very exotic and exclusive. Also, maintenance cost for the maserati will be more expensive so u will have to consider that.
hands down to the maserati gt! for sure. i even prefer it over the aston martin vantage.
here are some pictures of mine. i put 22'in wheels on them, and i left my is350 stock. choose the maserati!! =P
at the end....
i got the Maserati GT! i don't regret it one bit. someone said that its for shorter people, but the car is humongous! my boyfriend is 6'2 and when he drives it, he doesn't put the seat back all the way. it has a large footprint compared to most cars out there.
my friend also just got the CL63 AMG and when both our cars are side by side, mine def outshines hers. more people were amazed at seeing my car than they were with the CL.
Overall, maserati gives the best combination of exotic, sporty, luxury, and exclusivity. The CL is more sporty and luxury but in LA, there are tons around so not very exotic and exclusive. Also, maintenance cost for the maserati will be more expensive so u will have to consider that.
hands down to the maserati gt! for sure. i even prefer it over the aston martin vantage.
here are some pictures of mine. i put 22'in wheels on them, and i left my is350 stock. choose the maserati!! =P
10-31-09 | 08:28 PM
#32
F is for Fraud
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
From: Québec
There are several things to be taken into consideration when cross-shopping these cars. Take it from someone who's done it before.
One of them is realiability. Although it certainly is not up to Japanese standards, Mercedes has been consistently improving its reliability rankings. I have several people in my business loop that own Mercedes, especially the CL and SL, and they have had very minimal maintenance. That being said, maintenance is expensive on either car. However, the Maserati will be much more expensive down the road. The F1 transmission that they have is not exactly very reliable, especially if it's the Cambiocorsa found in what the Granturismo replaces, the Coupé. Maserati are also annoying for a lot of annoying failures. There are a lot of reports of some pathetic electronics, such as electric windows or locks, failing after only a few hundred kilometers. Also, you have to keep in mind that while the Maserati does have a warranty, Italian warranties are kind of shady, and ultimately it will be spending two if not three or four times as much time in the shop as the CL, problem-for-problem. I probably wouldn't have an Italian even if you'd give it to me. Having grown up around a lot of Ferrari in the 1990s, I know how much of stab-yourself-in-the-gut-with-a-spoon type of pain in the *** they can be, having witnessed my father rant about the troublesome unreliability and the related costs more than once.
While the CL is definitely a very nice car, if it were my money, I'd probably be looking into a Jaguar XKR, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, or even an Audi R8. Both the 4.2 V8 and 5.2 V10 are excellent in the R8: I 've test-driven the latter, and I own the other. In the price-range/category, the R8 is the perfect compromise and, if I'm not mistaken, the only one to offer a true manual transmission.
Of course, if you're looking for a daily driver, then the CL550 is the only one that can be considered a luxury car first, sports car second. It's more of a Grand Tourer. While the Granturismo has a lot of luxurious amenities, its unreliability cannot make it worthy of the daily driver. Overall, in the price-range and competitors' bin, the R8 is the best choice. The 4.2 is proven and tested, extremely reliable, and maintenance is not THAT expensive. Being a German car, and a VWAG product, it has its flaws (but I personally believe that mine was particularly feisty, seeing as friends in my loop that have the same car as I haven't had a single problem and they daily drive theirs).
I'd say you should test-drive all of the cars in the category and see what you think about them and then make up your mind. They all have their pros and cons, imho... but they all have one con in common and that's that in the long run, they are very expensive to own.
One of them is realiability. Although it certainly is not up to Japanese standards, Mercedes has been consistently improving its reliability rankings. I have several people in my business loop that own Mercedes, especially the CL and SL, and they have had very minimal maintenance. That being said, maintenance is expensive on either car. However, the Maserati will be much more expensive down the road. The F1 transmission that they have is not exactly very reliable, especially if it's the Cambiocorsa found in what the Granturismo replaces, the Coupé. Maserati are also annoying for a lot of annoying failures. There are a lot of reports of some pathetic electronics, such as electric windows or locks, failing after only a few hundred kilometers. Also, you have to keep in mind that while the Maserati does have a warranty, Italian warranties are kind of shady, and ultimately it will be spending two if not three or four times as much time in the shop as the CL, problem-for-problem. I probably wouldn't have an Italian even if you'd give it to me. Having grown up around a lot of Ferrari in the 1990s, I know how much of stab-yourself-in-the-gut-with-a-spoon type of pain in the *** they can be, having witnessed my father rant about the troublesome unreliability and the related costs more than once.
While the CL is definitely a very nice car, if it were my money, I'd probably be looking into a Jaguar XKR, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, or even an Audi R8. Both the 4.2 V8 and 5.2 V10 are excellent in the R8: I 've test-driven the latter, and I own the other. In the price-range/category, the R8 is the perfect compromise and, if I'm not mistaken, the only one to offer a true manual transmission.
Of course, if you're looking for a daily driver, then the CL550 is the only one that can be considered a luxury car first, sports car second. It's more of a Grand Tourer. While the Granturismo has a lot of luxurious amenities, its unreliability cannot make it worthy of the daily driver. Overall, in the price-range and competitors' bin, the R8 is the best choice. The 4.2 is proven and tested, extremely reliable, and maintenance is not THAT expensive. Being a German car, and a VWAG product, it has its flaws (but I personally believe that mine was particularly feisty, seeing as friends in my loop that have the same car as I haven't had a single problem and they daily drive theirs).
I'd say you should test-drive all of the cars in the category and see what you think about them and then make up your mind. They all have their pros and cons, imho... but they all have one con in common and that's that in the long run, they are very expensive to own.
10-31-09 | 08:47 PM
#34
F is for Fraud
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
From: Québec
Cars in this category hardly have anything you can call a back seat and that's if they have any at all.
However, soon enough, Audi will be releasing the RS5... which will have the V10 from the R8, and four seats.
However, soon enough, Audi will be releasing the RS5... which will have the V10 from the R8, and four seats.
Last edited by FisforFast; 10-31-09 at 08:54 PM.
11-01-09 | 03:01 AM
#37
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: California
actually the back seat of the maserati fits two grown adults perfectly. it isnt tight at all. people are surprised when they actually sit back there. so, there are 2 perfectly good back seats.
also, the maserati is considered a grand tourer. and i have been using it as a daily driver ever since i got it. my first car is the lexus is350 and rarely use it anymore because the GT is so comfortable.thinking of trading in my 350 for an suv so it would be more convenient for snowboarding trips and such.
there are many misconceptions of the maserati gt. after having it for a while. i would have to say it does not disappoint. at all..
also, the maserati is considered a grand tourer. and i have been using it as a daily driver ever since i got it. my first car is the lexus is350 and rarely use it anymore because the GT is so comfortable.thinking of trading in my 350 for an suv so it would be more convenient for snowboarding trips and such.
there are many misconceptions of the maserati gt. after having it for a while. i would have to say it does not disappoint. at all..
11-01-09 | 09:17 AM
#38
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,764
Likes: 1
From: Treasury
There are several things to be taken into consideration when cross-shopping these cars. Take it from someone who's done it before.
One of them is realiability. Although it certainly is not up to Japanese standards, Mercedes has been consistently improving its reliability rankings. I have several people in my business loop that own Mercedes, especially the CL and SL, and they have had very minimal maintenance. That being said, maintenance is expensive on either car. However, the Maserati will be much more expensive down the road. The F1 transmission that they have is not exactly very reliable, especially if it's the Cambiocorsa found in what the Granturismo replaces, the Coupé. Maserati are also annoying for a lot of annoying failures. There are a lot of reports of some pathetic electronics, such as electric windows or locks, failing after only a few hundred kilometers. Also, you have to keep in mind that while the Maserati does have a warranty, Italian warranties are kind of shady, and ultimately it will be spending two if not three or four times as much time in the shop as the CL, problem-for-problem. I probably wouldn't have an Italian even if you'd give it to me. Having grown up around a lot of Ferrari in the 1990s, I know how much of stab-yourself-in-the-gut-with-a-spoon type of pain in the *** they can be, having witnessed my father rant about the troublesome unreliability and the related costs more than once.
While the CL is definitely a very nice car, if it were my money, I'd probably be looking into a Jaguar XKR, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, or even an Audi R8. Both the 4.2 V8 and 5.2 V10 are excellent in the R8: I 've test-driven the latter, and I own the other. In the price-range/category, the R8 is the perfect compromise and, if I'm not mistaken, the only one to offer a true manual transmission.
Of course, if you're looking for a daily driver, then the CL550 is the only one that can be considered a luxury car first, sports car second. It's more of a Grand Tourer. While the Granturismo has a lot of luxurious amenities, its unreliability cannot make it worthy of the daily driver. Overall, in the price-range and competitors' bin, the R8 is the best choice. The 4.2 is proven and tested, extremely reliable, and maintenance is not THAT expensive. Being a German car, and a VWAG product, it has its flaws (but I personally believe that mine was particularly feisty, seeing as friends in my loop that have the same car as I haven't had a single problem and they daily drive theirs).
I'd say you should test-drive all of the cars in the category and see what you think about them and then make up your mind. They all have their pros and cons, imho... but they all have one con in common and that's that in the long run, they are very expensive to own.
One of them is realiability. Although it certainly is not up to Japanese standards, Mercedes has been consistently improving its reliability rankings. I have several people in my business loop that own Mercedes, especially the CL and SL, and they have had very minimal maintenance. That being said, maintenance is expensive on either car. However, the Maserati will be much more expensive down the road. The F1 transmission that they have is not exactly very reliable, especially if it's the Cambiocorsa found in what the Granturismo replaces, the Coupé. Maserati are also annoying for a lot of annoying failures. There are a lot of reports of some pathetic electronics, such as electric windows or locks, failing after only a few hundred kilometers. Also, you have to keep in mind that while the Maserati does have a warranty, Italian warranties are kind of shady, and ultimately it will be spending two if not three or four times as much time in the shop as the CL, problem-for-problem. I probably wouldn't have an Italian even if you'd give it to me. Having grown up around a lot of Ferrari in the 1990s, I know how much of stab-yourself-in-the-gut-with-a-spoon type of pain in the *** they can be, having witnessed my father rant about the troublesome unreliability and the related costs more than once.
While the CL is definitely a very nice car, if it were my money, I'd probably be looking into a Jaguar XKR, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, or even an Audi R8. Both the 4.2 V8 and 5.2 V10 are excellent in the R8: I 've test-driven the latter, and I own the other. In the price-range/category, the R8 is the perfect compromise and, if I'm not mistaken, the only one to offer a true manual transmission.
Of course, if you're looking for a daily driver, then the CL550 is the only one that can be considered a luxury car first, sports car second. It's more of a Grand Tourer. While the Granturismo has a lot of luxurious amenities, its unreliability cannot make it worthy of the daily driver. Overall, in the price-range and competitors' bin, the R8 is the best choice. The 4.2 is proven and tested, extremely reliable, and maintenance is not THAT expensive. Being a German car, and a VWAG product, it has its flaws (but I personally believe that mine was particularly feisty, seeing as friends in my loop that have the same car as I haven't had a single problem and they daily drive theirs).
I'd say you should test-drive all of the cars in the category and see what you think about them and then make up your mind. They all have their pros and cons, imho... but they all have one con in common and that's that in the long run, they are very expensive to own.
11-01-09 | 09:38 AM
#39
The CL looks ugly to me....until it's modded and then it becomes a big, sweet, elegant but sporty cruizer. Get the AMG model and you've got the power as well.
Never been in the Maserati but I like the looks. Except for those air openings in the fender that look so Buick-ish. I hate them. They're bad enough to keep me from ever drooling over the car....but it's still sweet.
I believe both are nightmares to maintain.
I'll take the modded CL.
Never been in the Maserati but I like the looks. Except for those air openings in the fender that look so Buick-ish. I hate them. They're bad enough to keep me from ever drooling over the car....but it's still sweet.
I believe both are nightmares to maintain.
I'll take the modded CL.
Last edited by Ice350; 11-01-09 at 09:42 AM.
11-01-09 | 12:31 PM
#41
+1 for me all the way as long as we are talking previous gen Jag XKR
11-01-09 | 12:34 PM
#42
i had the same dilemma when picking out my new car.! i was choosing from the Maserati GT, CL63 AMG, and the Porsche 911 turbo.
at the end....
i got the Maserati GT! i don't regret it one bit. someone said that its for shorter people, but the car is humongous! my boyfriend is 6'2 and when he drives it, he doesn't put the seat back all the way. it has a large footprint compared to most cars out there.
my friend also just got the CL63 AMG and when both our cars are side by side, mine def outshines hers. more people were amazed at seeing my car than they were with the CL.
Overall, maserati gives the best combination of exotic, sporty, luxury, and exclusivity. The CL is more sporty and luxury but in LA, there are tons around so not very exotic and exclusive. Also, maintenance cost for the maserati will be more expensive so u will have to consider that.
hands down to the maserati gt! for sure. i even prefer it over the aston martin vantage.
here are some pictures of mine. i put 22'in wheels on them, and i left my is350 stock. choose the maserati!! =P
at the end....
i got the Maserati GT! i don't regret it one bit. someone said that its for shorter people, but the car is humongous! my boyfriend is 6'2 and when he drives it, he doesn't put the seat back all the way. it has a large footprint compared to most cars out there.
my friend also just got the CL63 AMG and when both our cars are side by side, mine def outshines hers. more people were amazed at seeing my car than they were with the CL.
Overall, maserati gives the best combination of exotic, sporty, luxury, and exclusivity. The CL is more sporty and luxury but in LA, there are tons around so not very exotic and exclusive. Also, maintenance cost for the maserati will be more expensive so u will have to consider that.
hands down to the maserati gt! for sure. i even prefer it over the aston martin vantage.
here are some pictures of mine. i put 22'in wheels on them, and i left my is350 stock. choose the maserati!! =P
11-01-09 | 02:27 PM
#43
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 6
From: FL
thanks for all the inputs...at this time, im leanin towards to maserati...just waitin for price to drop where i want....its 2009 with automatic-s model which little faster than basic model...dealer have been callin me every week lettin me know price reduction and free maintenance offers but price is not quiet there yet..its best lookin car i seen and its so rare but the red interior took it over the top for me...dont like the fact that no push start button but its expect with Italian cars...not really worried about reliability issue since i live 20min from service dealership and i will keep my GS..will keep ur guys posted what happens..
BTW jcka350, ur doing girl let me know if u need boyfriend #2 hahaha
BTW jcka350, ur doing girl
let me know if u need boyfriend #2 hahaha
11-01-09 | 03:43 PM
#44
F is for Fraud
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
From: Québec
'Poorly built' is not the term I would use to describe the R8 but it does have its issues. It's not falling apart. And as I stated, I seem to be one of the only owners that has had the cluster and power window failure. Everything else is pristine.
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