Maserati 4200 vs Gransport

[BRMMA]

I'm thinking about replacing my Boxster (986 S) with something with 4 seats but want something that's reasonably quick, decent looking and actually feels fun to drive as the vast majority of my driving will be for pleasure or at least on the evenings/weekends so traffic not such an issue

The two main options seem to be the E92 M3 or the Maserati Gransport (both currently about 25k, but will hopefully be nearer 20k by the time i'm ready to buy) I'm drawn to the Gransport for its looks, interior, engine/noise whilst i can imagine the M3 is probably the superior car in pretty much every technical/dynamic measure so head says M3, heart says Gransport

however from searching the classifieds there are plenty of 4200's available, addmittedly a yera or two older than the Gransport but 15k seems to get a very nice one and it can be had in a Manual. I much prefer the look of the GS but i'm not sure it's worth the extra 10k and don't know if the skirts, front spoiler etc could be added to the 4200 for a fraction of the price?

has anybody had a 4200 & GS that can give an opinion on if the additional cost is worth it?

also considered an RS4 but i prefer the M3 and the suspension/engine coking problems put me off and I love the C63 but it's out of my budget

Cheers

[redgriff500]

I've been looking at these too.

I can't find much info but if you go onto Youtube Top gear reviewed both and slated the 4200GT and loved the Gran Sport - hardly scientific but it seems there is a big difference.

[Chris71]

I'm sure Blib will be along shortly - I believe he considered the Gransport before going for the 4200?

Can't say I've been in a Gransport, but I was impressed by how sporting the 4200 felt. It's already more focused than the likes of the Jaguar XKR.

The Gransport is definitely more bedroom wall material, though. Nice dilemma to be in.

[limpsfield]

If you try maseratiforum.co.uk you may get some more info.

I have only ever driven my car which is a 2002 4200 with the flappy paddles and I absolutely love it. I too have wondered about the premium that the Gransport commands although I am sure it is a better drive again.

[PaperCut]

To put it in a bit of (unscientific, and IMO) context the Gransport to a 4200, is a bit like an M3 CSL to an ordinary M3. I'm not wanting to get into a debate about the values in that statement(!), but i would just plump for a 4200 and save the £10k on running the thing.

[Pork]

The trouble with wanting a 4200 but with the GS looks is that while the components might not cost the £10k difference, they're not easy to come by. In a couple of years I recall a couple of sets of wheels and just one set of 'surf boards' coming up for sale.

There's a number of poeple having similar thoughts - this one was posted on the FMLB section this week and might be worth a read - http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&amp...

As mentioned above, if you think the Maserati is the way forward, it's well worth getting over to MaseratForum.co.uk or SportsMaserati.co.uk for a mooch around. There's a good group on both with some superb knowledge.

I have a GS and while I initially started looking for a 4200, I realised that the one to have was the late 4200 (05 on) and then I went out in a GS. I much prefer the interio and the exterior styling....its a little more 'hard core' than a 4200, but some say too much so.

While I love my GS, I've heard it said that the late 4200s are as good as they get.

[BRMMA]

Thanks for the advice everyone, that other thread was useful too, i'll check out the forums suggested