Maserati 3200 Assetto Corsa or Gransport
Discussion
I have been looking at 3200's and have also found a nice Assetto Corsa.
The only downside seems to be that it's an auto. 4 speed auto seems pretty old fashioned these days... However, quite a few people say it suits the car, and there are less likely to be crankshaft endfloat issues with an auto.
Any fans of the Assetto Corsa/past owners? I like the 3.2 biturbo, rear lights etc.
If I was to really push my budget then I can go for a gransport.
This is supposed to be a much "better" car?
I'm buying for pleasure, but maybe the gransport is a better investment too?
The only downside seems to be that it's an auto. 4 speed auto seems pretty old fashioned these days... However, quite a few people say it suits the car, and there are less likely to be crankshaft endfloat issues with an auto.
Any fans of the Assetto Corsa/past owners? I like the 3.2 biturbo, rear lights etc.
If I was to really push my budget then I can go for a gransport.
This is supposed to be a much "better" car?
I'm buying for pleasure, but maybe the gransport is a better investment too?
Gransport is a much better investment. Better handling, better steering better everything really. As the final reincarnation of the model (4200) its the one I would recommend in a heartbeat. We bought a lovely blue one last year for a customer. Prices holding strong too at the moment.
Edited by _Superleggera_ on Sunday 17th January 18:03
I'm looking for a fun and usable weekend car.
Plan to do some long trips in the UK and Europe.
Assetto Corsa's (or standard later 3200's) can be had for 15-18K and Gransports seem to be at least 25k, quite a big difference.
The Gran Turismo has never interested me: seems like a much bigger car and I have read that the extra weight blunts the performance of the 4.2....
Plan to do some long trips in the UK and Europe.
Assetto Corsa's (or standard later 3200's) can be had for 15-18K and Gransports seem to be at least 25k, quite a big difference.
The Gran Turismo has never interested me: seems like a much bigger car and I have read that the extra weight blunts the performance of the 4.2....
I'm not sure either are a great buy if you're after an investment.
The 3200 AC has a strong following if you can find a nice one, the GS IMO is a better car (but I am biased).
Pop over to SportsMaserati.co.uk, there's owners of both on there who will give you the low down. When I made the choice, I went for a GS. I nearly went for a late 4200 which may be an option for you, but decided to push the boat out and wait for a GS.
The 4200 can be had in manual if that appeals.
Whichever you plunge for, buy the nicest one you can afford and always get a PPI to know what bills might be coming.
Happy hunting.
The 3200 AC has a strong following if you can find a nice one, the GS IMO is a better car (but I am biased).
Pop over to SportsMaserati.co.uk, there's owners of both on there who will give you the low down. When I made the choice, I went for a GS. I nearly went for a late 4200 which may be an option for you, but decided to push the boat out and wait for a GS.
The 4200 can be had in manual if that appeals.
Whichever you plunge for, buy the nicest one you can afford and always get a PPI to know what bills might be coming.
Happy hunting.
I did consider a 3200, mainly because of the lights, and tried a mates once. The noise and power are awesome.
I then looked at 4200s, a leap above inside and better ride, and supposedly more reliable[1] if a bit slower (not that you notice day to day).
in the end I got a Gransport, because I figured I could always trade down, and if I got a 4200 I'd always wonder if I should have got the GS. In fact I'd probably have made more use of a facelift 4200 manual, but after nearly 3 years I'm almost beginning to like the paddles They're certainly better than the manual clutch switch on the wife's car.
[1] 'reliable' is relative - "as reliable as any top end turn of the century Fiat or Lancia"
though to be fair mine has been fine for the 10,000 miles I've had it.
I then looked at 4200s, a leap above inside and better ride, and supposedly more reliable[1] if a bit slower (not that you notice day to day).
in the end I got a Gransport, because I figured I could always trade down, and if I got a 4200 I'd always wonder if I should have got the GS. In fact I'd probably have made more use of a facelift 4200 manual, but after nearly 3 years I'm almost beginning to like the paddles They're certainly better than the manual clutch switch on the wife's car.
[1] 'reliable' is relative - "as reliable as any top end turn of the century Fiat or Lancia"
though to be fair mine has been fine for the 10,000 miles I've had it.AC is the better investment with only 75 made for UK market. I own a 3200 AC and had a manual until a few months ago and you cannot beat the looks of the 3200 with Vented bonnet, lower stance (lower plenum) and also those awesome Boomerangs.
Drive both as the power delivery is hooligan like in the 3200 compared to the GS. If using it as a daily driver get the GS as it will be easier to live with but factor in clutch readings at the time of buying as the CC box does wear clutches so is an added expense over the Auto box in the AC.
If you want to read my buying guide then go over to SportMaserati forum, register and read all about the pitfalls.
One other thing I will mention before signing off is to check all of the wishbones as they are prone to cracking along the forgeline. All the models (3200,4200 and GS) share exactly the same upper and lower control arms.
Drive both as the power delivery is hooligan like in the 3200 compared to the GS. If using it as a daily driver get the GS as it will be easier to live with but factor in clutch readings at the time of buying as the CC box does wear clutches so is an added expense over the Auto box in the AC.
If you want to read my buying guide then go over to SportMaserati forum, register and read all about the pitfalls.
One other thing I will mention before signing off is to check all of the wishbones as they are prone to cracking along the forgeline. All the models (3200,4200 and GS) share exactly the same upper and lower control arms.
urquattroGus said:
Thanks guys.
I have registered on Mports Maserati.
The somewhat savage 3200 delivery does appeal, but really need to try both a manual and an auto.
And now i've been momentarily distracted by TVR Cerebra Speed Sixes....!
Swapped my Assetto Corsa for a speed6 T350 - wish I'd kept it!I have registered on Mports Maserati.
The somewhat savage 3200 delivery does appeal, but really need to try both a manual and an auto.
And now i've been momentarily distracted by TVR Cerebra Speed Sixes....!
purpleperil said:
urquattroGus said:
Thanks guys.
I have registered on Mports Maserati.
The somewhat savage 3200 delivery does appeal, but really need to try both a manual and an auto.
And now i've been momentarily distracted by TVR Cerebra Speed Sixes....!
Swapped my Assetto Corsa for a speed6 T350 - wish I'd kept it!I have registered on Mports Maserati.
The somewhat savage 3200 delivery does appeal, but really need to try both a manual and an auto.
And now i've been momentarily distracted by TVR Cerebra Speed Sixes....!
Edited by urquattroGus on Monday 18th January 19:20
Get rid of the centre silencer/cat on your 3200 and also silencers and it sound amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_-W0PH-ghc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_-W0PH-ghc
HIS LM said:
Decent Gransports are knocking on the door of Grant Turismo money which arguably is an even better car
It depends what your reasons are for buying the car
The Gran Truism as its name suggests is more of a grand tourer whereas the GranSport is more of a sports car. I personally would not replace my GranSport with a Gran Truism even though I could.It depends what your reasons are for buying the car
In fact I am in the process of changing both my GranSport Coupé and GranSport Spyder for a GranSport MC Victory and buying a Gran Turismo was not something I considered.
Ok I'll try again ! A copy didn't come through to me either. Usual PH mail service then! Just been informed that the PH mail service is borked. Could post my mail address on here so we can contact each other if you would like? This is starting to sound a bit pervy!
Edited by 3200gt on Wednesday 20th January 10:51
3200gt said:
Ok I'll try again ! A copy didn't come through to me either. Usual PH mail service then! Just been informed that the PH mail service is borked. Could post my mail address on here so we can contact each other if you would like? This is starting to sound a bit pervy!
Yes nothing came through. If it's one of the advertised carsyou are talking about, I have been scanning the classified daily.Edited by 3200gt on Wednesday 20th January 10:51
I've now been to see 3 cars, and have another to arrange.
I also tested a gransport, which was to be honest a disappointment.
Not for me, a bit disappointing really.
The engine felt torque light and did not sound that great to my ears, even with sport engaged. Gearbox also felt quite slow witted.
Did not like the side skirts either.
It did feel like it would handle nicely.
Anyway, this was very useful as it proves to me that I prefer the 3200. The 3200 just feels and looks, and sounds more special to me. When those turbos come on boost it makes you smile!
Edited by urquattroGus on Monday 25th January 14:48
Edited by urquattroGus on Monday 25th January 14:48
I ran an Assetto Corsa for over three years, only sold it last May. A great car, and as said the turbos make it. Mine was a manual. I drove both before buying, and there is not much difference in performance, but for me the nature of the car dictated it should be manual. Gransport also a good car, but different in power delivery. Interior also different, 3200 all leather, Gransport more sporty, carbon etc. Arguably the Gransport is the more sorted car, the Assetto Corsa more old school. Have a drive in both if you can and make up your own mind. Both great cars but very different.
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