456 v Maserati Coupe
Discussion
I would have gone for the 456 until recently.
But now I would not.
The nicest 550's go for 60K plus and are unlikely to change much IMO, but at the 50k level I think it is only a matter of months before you could stretch to a MASERATI GRANSPORT !!!!!
The Gransport is a different kettle of fish to the regular 4200, and by every account I have read it is close to greatness.
The Gransport would be my choice. Reckon they'll be in the £50k's reasonably soon...
But now I would not.
The nicest 550's go for 60K plus and are unlikely to change much IMO, but at the 50k level I think it is only a matter of months before you could stretch to a MASERATI GRANSPORT !!!!!
The Gransport is a different kettle of fish to the regular 4200, and by every account I have read it is close to greatness.
The Gransport would be my choice. Reckon they'll be in the £50k's reasonably soon...
The DB7 is too small both in the front and the back.
Even with the seat all the way back, my knee is jammed between the steering wheel and dash (I'm 6 4).
Plus the two cars are the only ones my wife will entertain, she will be using the car within the week so it will be the GTA version or the paddle shift MC.
I'm interested in common faults, realistic running costs etc, handling and performance.
Even with the seat all the way back, my knee is jammed between the steering wheel and dash (I'm 6 4).
Plus the two cars are the only ones my wife will entertain, she will be using the car within the week so it will be the GTA version or the paddle shift MC.
I'm interested in common faults, realistic running costs etc, handling and performance.
mungo said:
there's nothing like a reliable informed reply eh Mungo.
Regardless - The Ferrari 456 is gorgeous and that would be my choice
Mungo - doh!
Unless you ahve particularly deep pockets the 456 is a poor choice, so much to go wrong, and so expensive.
the only person I know who bought a 456 s/h went out shortly afterwards and bought a 911 having been thoroughly put off by the running costs, and they were by no means on a tight budget!
MAsser coupe if you want comfort - can get some real bargains right now - 04 cars are available at very good prices, and are pretty sorted machines. Ultimately a bit 'soft' compared to say a 911, but a brilliant cruiser.
As topstuff says thoguh, hang on a bit and maybe a gransport is the answer - 5 starts in evo, and having sat in one, it definately beats the 456 for interior ambience - feels much more plush! 456's are starting to look their age inside - well the early ones anyway...
Mungo how can you comment on this when you havent driven either !
As for the Maserati not been reliable thats crap!
Mine works fine,
Brilliant performance,sits kids in the back perfectly even with child seats( I know as I have twins aged 3) and adults also can fit in the back.
Handling is ok / takes getting used to as the rear end can snap out on a damp / cold day ! (hint = dont turn off the ASR Button if you buy one of these !)
The presence of the GT is there to be seen and has a great sounding engine (even better with a Tubi Exhaust! )
Overall the package is worth considering .
Take both cars out and expereince the difference in the driving experience.
I personally preferred the 3200 gt over the Ferrari but others will see it differently and go for the ferrari probably because of the Name itself (and why not!)
As I said try both and go from there.
Both are nice cars and great fun but in different ways.
Re 3200 GT Costs for example: I can tell you the Clutch can costs circa between £1,100 to £2,200 depending on where you go.
Wing mirror (ouch!) £362.70 + vat + painting
Tyres = Front Approx £181 each inc Valve and Balancing .
Note : Tyres naturally require replacing if punctured and not repairing.
The car uses a little more Oil than the norm and dont use alternatives to the oil from Maserati as the service bay today informed me that some MC's can have oil pressure problems due to using Mobil Oil for example(their words not mine!)
Fuel costs - Sorry this is not much help but : I dont even bother taking note and fill up as and when required but when driving to and from london the tank empties very quickly ! (driving from south coast) It costs me circa £55 to fill the tank.
Fuel goes down very quickly when using the car hard (e.g driving with the turbo's in action all the time (-: )
Overall if buying the car , obviously go for a main dealer purchase and you will pay around £1,500 for the warranty which is included in the purchase price of the car.
The 456 has an increased service cost over the MC.
Basically becuase you are buying a £150,000 + Car (which is what they cost new) and the MC is not in this price range.
So...
When it comes to ownership you have the service costs / repair costs of a £150,000 car (ferrari 456) or the MC in the region of £76,000 and thats the difference :
A lot of people can buy a car like these two vehicles but its the running costs which can make owners cringe.
for example : I note a neighbour has a BMW 325 with remoulds on it ! Thats just negative. Tryng to look "status" but not able / prepared to even fit a decent tyre which in turn can prove dangerous.
The MC is not cheap to run but thats also down to an individuals pocket. But generally speaking the Ferrari is a much more expensive car to run.
The actual service is now cheaper with Maranello offering lower priced rates but the parts prices can raise a few eyebrows and this is what can tip the scales in view of the MC.
I personally purchased the MC GT as the 456 seemed "dated" when compared to the MC (in my humble opinion)
If you want an even more enhanced experience as previously mentioned - try the Gransport ! Now that is fun ! Better handling and more "driver responsive"
Im on a second test drive next week with a view to a purchase.
The costs of the 456 are high and personally if I were to look at a Ferrari I would consider the 550.
Its a very different driving experience. Very Quick but in a diferent way to the MC. With a greater top end and is definately a Grand Tourer.
"Dicktys" If you would like any further info , please feel free to email me.
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Friday 14th January 19:42
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Friday 14th January 19:43
As for the Maserati not been reliable thats crap!
Mine works fine,
Brilliant performance,sits kids in the back perfectly even with child seats( I know as I have twins aged 3) and adults also can fit in the back.
Handling is ok / takes getting used to as the rear end can snap out on a damp / cold day ! (hint = dont turn off the ASR Button if you buy one of these !)
The presence of the GT is there to be seen and has a great sounding engine (even better with a Tubi Exhaust! )
Overall the package is worth considering .
Take both cars out and expereince the difference in the driving experience.
I personally preferred the 3200 gt over the Ferrari but others will see it differently and go for the ferrari probably because of the Name itself (and why not!)
As I said try both and go from there.
Both are nice cars and great fun but in different ways.
Re 3200 GT Costs for example: I can tell you the Clutch can costs circa between £1,100 to £2,200 depending on where you go.
Wing mirror (ouch!) £362.70 + vat + painting
Tyres = Front Approx £181 each inc Valve and Balancing .
Note : Tyres naturally require replacing if punctured and not repairing.
The car uses a little more Oil than the norm and dont use alternatives to the oil from Maserati as the service bay today informed me that some MC's can have oil pressure problems due to using Mobil Oil for example(their words not mine!)
Fuel costs - Sorry this is not much help but : I dont even bother taking note and fill up as and when required but when driving to and from london the tank empties very quickly ! (driving from south coast) It costs me circa £55 to fill the tank.
Fuel goes down very quickly when using the car hard (e.g driving with the turbo's in action all the time (-: )
Overall if buying the car , obviously go for a main dealer purchase and you will pay around £1,500 for the warranty which is included in the purchase price of the car.
The 456 has an increased service cost over the MC.
Basically becuase you are buying a £150,000 + Car (which is what they cost new) and the MC is not in this price range.
So...
When it comes to ownership you have the service costs / repair costs of a £150,000 car (ferrari 456) or the MC in the region of £76,000 and thats the difference :
A lot of people can buy a car like these two vehicles but its the running costs which can make owners cringe.
for example : I note a neighbour has a BMW 325 with remoulds on it ! Thats just negative. Tryng to look "status" but not able / prepared to even fit a decent tyre which in turn can prove dangerous.
The MC is not cheap to run but thats also down to an individuals pocket. But generally speaking the Ferrari is a much more expensive car to run.
The actual service is now cheaper with Maranello offering lower priced rates but the parts prices can raise a few eyebrows and this is what can tip the scales in view of the MC.
I personally purchased the MC GT as the 456 seemed "dated" when compared to the MC (in my humble opinion)
If you want an even more enhanced experience as previously mentioned - try the Gransport ! Now that is fun ! Better handling and more "driver responsive"
Im on a second test drive next week with a view to a purchase.
The costs of the 456 are high and personally if I were to look at a Ferrari I would consider the 550.
Its a very different driving experience. Very Quick but in a diferent way to the MC. With a greater top end and is definately a Grand Tourer.
"Dicktys" If you would like any further info , please feel free to email me.
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Friday 14th January 19:42
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Friday 14th January 19:43
Mungo - The looks of the 456 I feel are dated.
Not the most attractive of Ferrari's.
Too "rounded" for my liking but this of course is personal opinion.
Every car has its own little niggles but the 456 has a few including the windows which can costs literally thousands and thats scary when you can buy a 456 for circa £35,000 upwards.
And the Grandsport is a much better car - Period.
Not the most attractive of Ferrari's.
Too "rounded" for my liking but this of course is personal opinion.
Every car has its own little niggles but the 456 has a few including the windows which can costs literally thousands and thats scary when you can buy a 456 for circa £35,000 upwards.
And the Grandsport is a much better car - Period.
I haven't driven a Maser, but have driven a 456 and it was an awesome experience.
My fastest vehicle is a CBR1100xx Superblackbird and the 456 felt just as quick...which is some achievement!
I think if you've got to ask the question, then the 3200 is the one to go for.
You either want a 456 for what it is or not?
My fastest vehicle is a CBR1100xx Superblackbird and the 456 felt just as quick...which is some achievement!
I think if you've got to ask the question, then the 3200 is the one to go for.
You either want a 456 for what it is or not?
bluesatin said:
Maserati is faster!
(based on Vmax times)
And reliable Mungo.
I was driving the 456 at VMAX and whilst the Mazzers may have been faster on the times in terms of out right speed they are not as fast top end (nor as special IMO).
The 456 at VMAX was a GTA (which before anyone starts slagging off Automatics suits the cars GT role perfectly - we are taking it on a 9 day European tour in September which will be very fast and very comfortable (3,000+ miles))
On the straight I changed gear from 3rd to 4th at around 155 mph. After a small lull while the auto box changed up it started to pull like a train again but unfortunately I ran out of runway.
I have heard that the owner of Bruntingthorpe has a 456 (manual) in which he can easily hit in excess of 180 on the straight).
Both are undoubtably great cars but there is no doubt in my mind that the 456 is something truly special
maserati3200gt said:
Mungo - The looks of the 456 I feel are dated.
Not the most attractive of Ferrari's.
Too "rounded" for my liking but this of course is personal opinion.
Every car has its own little niggles but the 456 has a few including the windows which can costs literally thousands and thats scary when you can buy a 456 for circa £35,000 upwards.
And the Grandsport is a much better car - Period.
Lets deal with those in order.
1. Looks.
Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. The Mazzer is a good looking car but nothing compared with the 456 imo. The 456 is now over 11 years old but is still a timeless design which will still look good in another 10 years. It is elegant from the front but powerfull from the rear and looks good from every angle.
Whats best about it is that it's not in your face styling. Driving it in town is just fascinating. Some people dont know what it is (other than an obviously expensive car)while others just stare at it open mouthed. You never feel a flash pr1ck driving it as you would in a 355 or 360.
The people who know what it is tend not to shout or make w*nker signals at you but acknowledge the car in a nice way.
As for it not being the most attractive of Ferraris I think you will be in the minority on that one.
2. Costs
The windows can be a problem but if you buy a good one they should not be. The point which most people bring up on the GTA is the Auto gearbox which is £35K to replace if it goes pop. Scary numbers but I have never heard of a unit going bang. At VMAX I did over 15 runs from standing starts using the gears at full pelt and it felt solid as a rock, even on the drive home.
If you need to talk about costs then dont consider any Ferrari. (e.g £18K for a rear wing for an F40 to £900 for a wing mirror for a 360)
I doubt the costs for a 3200 are much better.
3. Gransport
Better car? - in terms of value and all round capability yes. So it should be. It's brand new whereas the 456 is over 11 years old.
Will it be such a classic? who knows, its too early to tell.
They are both fantastic cars. Anyone who is lucky enough to own or drive either of them is very lucky. To me driving the 456 is always a huge event which I never take for granted.
Its all down to preferences and I doubt there are many people (perhaps except for McNab
) who have driven both. I may have pinned my colours to the 456 mast with this post but I think it is an utterly awesome car which never fails to stun me when ever I drive it. I havent driven the Gransport but given the reviews is obviously awesome in its own right.
Just my 2p's worth
David,
Good Article.
Its good to have a friendly discussion without the ranting and raving that can sometimes happen on these forums.
The 456 is a fine car and I think we all agree that "beauty is in the eye's of the beholder"
That said I actually considered purchasing a 456 as you can find examples at excellent secondhand prices and as you previously mentioned but the colour combination eluded me at that time.
The car (456) is understated (with the exception of the Engine sound ! - of course !
Its horses for courses and any ferrari is a pleasure to see on the road.
The 3200 is already a classic for a number of reasons , partly as a landmark "product" in the history of Maserati with Ferrari attempting to get the Brand back on track (which they have done with much success) and as a reliable, modern car which has changed the way Maserati is viewed by the Public.
Styling wise : I personally feel the car (3200 /4200)looks better with the the "boomerang lights" and not those god awful "Honda Accord" Rear Lights - aimed at the American Market ! They should have also kept the Bonnet Vents .
Performance wise = Its excellent and keeps you on your toes, not as "crazy" as a TVR Cerb Perhaps but somewhere in between a TVR and a 911 or M3.
It still is a little "raw" which fitted my criteria perfectly (initially going to be a Cerb which I hated when experiencing the lack of build quality)
Plus the car is rare - How many do you see compared to the 911 / M3 / etc? which are all expensive "common cars". I have seen 3 996's today and the amount of chav's that drive old BMW M3's is there to be seen!
I have yet to see another 3200 GT on the south coast though.
As for the 456 :
The Ferrari will always have the more exclusive image becuase of they way they market their cars.
The 456 in your profile look stunning I must admit and perhaps its a lot down to the colour.
Having seen the 456 in a "wine red" colour! or the really dull blue (non metallic) - Put me right of those colours ! but in Silver it looks great and is a car that still looks good today and will do for the future.
Both brands are exclusive and offer great experiences but the 456 is a more refined car (IMO) which is not a bad thing. Just most of the 456 cars on sale seem to be in awful colours with a terrible interior combination and perhaps thats why they are slightly less in price ?
But lets be honest - either car is great fun !
Its not like choosing a Ferrari over a Ford.
Both have a motorsport pedigree and both are understated which is a good thing in my book.
Re Costs : The maserati is not a cheap car to run either and you will need a cash reserve to keep either model in tip top shape. But as I say - Dont buy the car if you cant afford to run it.
Buying a car in one thing. Servicing correctly is another !
P.S Worst thing about the Maserati is the Gearbox - When its cold, It's a dog ! But when warmed up its brilliant !
Best thing is the Engine and the Sound, Oh! and the Rear Boomerang Lights. Wonderful!
But why change the rear lights for the Yanks!
My main dealer tells me to change the new rear lights is an £8,000 option to revert to the Boomerang style !
Cheers David
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Saturday 15th January 02:13
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Saturday 15th January 02:19
Good Article.
Its good to have a friendly discussion without the ranting and raving that can sometimes happen on these forums.
The 456 is a fine car and I think we all agree that "beauty is in the eye's of the beholder"
That said I actually considered purchasing a 456 as you can find examples at excellent secondhand prices and as you previously mentioned but the colour combination eluded me at that time.
The car (456) is understated (with the exception of the Engine sound ! - of course !
Its horses for courses and any ferrari is a pleasure to see on the road.
The 3200 is already a classic for a number of reasons , partly as a landmark "product" in the history of Maserati with Ferrari attempting to get the Brand back on track (which they have done with much success) and as a reliable, modern car which has changed the way Maserati is viewed by the Public.
Styling wise : I personally feel the car (3200 /4200)looks better with the the "boomerang lights" and not those god awful "Honda Accord" Rear Lights - aimed at the American Market ! They should have also kept the Bonnet Vents .
Performance wise = Its excellent and keeps you on your toes, not as "crazy" as a TVR Cerb Perhaps but somewhere in between a TVR and a 911 or M3.
It still is a little "raw" which fitted my criteria perfectly (initially going to be a Cerb which I hated when experiencing the lack of build quality)
Plus the car is rare - How many do you see compared to the 911 / M3 / etc? which are all expensive "common cars". I have seen 3 996's today and the amount of chav's that drive old BMW M3's is there to be seen!
I have yet to see another 3200 GT on the south coast though.
As for the 456 :
The Ferrari will always have the more exclusive image becuase of they way they market their cars.
The 456 in your profile look stunning I must admit and perhaps its a lot down to the colour.
Having seen the 456 in a "wine red" colour! or the really dull blue (non metallic) - Put me right of those colours ! but in Silver it looks great and is a car that still looks good today and will do for the future.
Both brands are exclusive and offer great experiences but the 456 is a more refined car (IMO) which is not a bad thing. Just most of the 456 cars on sale seem to be in awful colours with a terrible interior combination and perhaps thats why they are slightly less in price ?
But lets be honest - either car is great fun !
Its not like choosing a Ferrari over a Ford.
Both have a motorsport pedigree and both are understated which is a good thing in my book.
Re Costs : The maserati is not a cheap car to run either and you will need a cash reserve to keep either model in tip top shape. But as I say - Dont buy the car if you cant afford to run it.
Buying a car in one thing. Servicing correctly is another !
P.S Worst thing about the Maserati is the Gearbox - When its cold, It's a dog ! But when warmed up its brilliant !
Best thing is the Engine and the Sound, Oh! and the Rear Boomerang Lights. Wonderful!
But why change the rear lights for the Yanks!
My main dealer tells me to change the new rear lights is an £8,000 option to revert to the Boomerang style !
Cheers David
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Saturday 15th January 02:13
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Saturday 15th January 02:19
Thanks. I'm surprised that there are not more spelling mistakes in it given that I typed it after quite a few Stellas 
I couldnt agree more about what the 3200 has done for Maserati. Its just as important a model as the DB7 was for Aston. They have both turned around the fortunes of companies with a fantastic history but which have been in the doldrums for decades.
And as for the Quatropporte and MC12
Also agree on the boomerang lights. They make the car stand out so much more. Unfortunately what the Americans want the Americans get.
There are certainly some dubious colours around on 456's. On the last trip we went on there was a dull green one and a burgundy one, neither of which did the car any favours.
As for performance I was going to say that the 456 has the legs over the 3200 but that seems a little acedemic now as I see from your profile you have a Continental GT! Very nice indeed.
Out of interest why do have both? they seem to be quite similar cars in most ways being big fast GT's.
I couldnt agree more about what the 3200 has done for Maserati. Its just as important a model as the DB7 was for Aston. They have both turned around the fortunes of companies with a fantastic history but which have been in the doldrums for decades.
And as for the Quatropporte and MC12
Also agree on the boomerang lights. They make the car stand out so much more. Unfortunately what the Americans want the Americans get.
There are certainly some dubious colours around on 456's. On the last trip we went on there was a dull green one and a burgundy one, neither of which did the car any favours.
As for performance I was going to say that the 456 has the legs over the 3200 but that seems a little acedemic now as I see from your profile you have a Continental GT! Very nice indeed.
Out of interest why do have both? they seem to be quite similar cars in most ways being big fast GT's.
maserati3200gt said:
ouch !
By the Way unrepentant : Your TVR is Stunning !
Has your TVR ownership been Trouble Free ?
I initially went to Buy a cerbera but was put of by the build quality and troubles associated with it .
How has yours faired ?
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Saturday 15th January 17:35
Completely trouble free, so much so that I've ordered another.
I don't like to talk about it though because I get flamed for being positive about TVR.
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