Maserati Gransport....Jaguar XKR - Opinions?

[bigricho]

Hi There,

I’m in the market for a new car, looking to spend around 30k. At the moment I’m investigating a number of cars, but the two that I would have to say I’m most interested in are the Jag XKR and the Maserati Gransport. They’re both V8s, both 4.2s, both similar power. I would be most grateful if anyone can make an educated comparison for me?

I have to say, at the moment, without having driven either, I would be probably leaning towards the XKR, which is why I decided to post this thread here. Ever since my old man was looking at the GT-S and he eventually plumped for a California, Maseratis have replaced Cheryl Cole in my dreams.

I did do a search for ‘Gransport’ so any extra info would be much appreciated.

Planning on taking a look at a couple of these as I have a free weekend and I really hope I like either of them because otherwise I’ll probably end buying something quick and german, like an M3, which I think would be a little bit boring!

Thanks a lot.

Rich

[moreflaps]

bigricho said:

Hi There,

I’m in the market for a new car, looking to spend around 30k. At the moment I’m investigating a number of cars, but the two that I would have to say I’m most interested in are the Jag XKR and the Maserati Gransport. They’re both V8s, both 4.2s, both similar power. I would be most grateful if anyone can make an educated comparison for me?

I have to say, at the moment, without having driven either, I would be probably leaning towards the XKR, which is why I decided to post this thread here. Ever since my old man was looking at the GT-S and he eventually plumped for a California, Maseratis have replaced Cheryl Cole in my dreams.

I did do a search for ‘Gransport’ so any extra info would be much appreciated.

Planning on taking a look at a couple of these as I have a free weekend and I really hope I like either of them because otherwise I’ll probably end buying something quick and german, like an M3, which I think would be a little bit boring!

Thanks a lot.

Rich

If you ever need to carry more than 1 passenger, the GS is the way to go. Having had an XK, and now own a GS I'd say the GS is my preferred car. Its very understated but goes well and get more people staring at it. The sound is lovely.

Cheers

[Mario149]

GS every time for me. I had a 4200 which was great but flawed. GS addresses all the 4200 flaws Plus the engine in the GS will be to die for it's to all intents and purposes exactly the same as that in the 4200 i.e. a bored out, detuned 360 engine if memory serves. Plenty of torque but loves to rev at the same time If I had to transport 4 people I'd have a GS in a heartbeat

[doodlebug]

Mario149 said:

Plus the engine in the GS will be to die for it's to all intents and purposes exactly the same as that in the 4200 i.e. a bored out, detuned 360 engine if memory serves.

Your memory must be failing you Mario.

The 4200 engine was a brand new V8 designed for the Maserati. It has chain-driven cams whereas the 360 has belts.

[Pork]

doodlebug said:

Your memory must be failing you Mario.

The 4200 engine was a brand new V8 designed for the Maserati. It has chain-driven cams whereas the 360 has belts.

Well, you learn something every day! I thought it was based on the 430's engine...

As for the OP, I've had an older XK8 which isnt comparable to the GS.

As has been said above, the GS is a great car. I think its probably aging a little now and would feel more dated than the XKR, but it has a lot to offer. If you're serious about one, pop over the www.maseratiforum.co.uk and www.sportsmaserati.co.uk for LOADS of info!

Good luck with the search. Personally, I'd be very interesting in how you find the two compare.

[bigricho]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the info. I'm going to try both of these cars. Just been over to Porsche Harston, they had a lovely looking standard XK in maroon next door at AM. I've taken quite a substantial look over at those two forums mentioned as well.

I will update this thread in due course with my findings.

Rich

[CDP]

bigricho said:

otherwise I’ll probably end buying something quick and german

A fast Brit or Italian trumps a quick German any day of the week.

[lambo_xx]

bigricho said:

Hi There,

I’m in the market for a new car, looking to spend around 30k. At the moment I’m investigating a number of cars, but the two that I would have to say I’m most interested in are the Jag XKR and the Maserati Gransport. They’re both V8s, both 4.2s, both similar power. I would be most grateful if anyone can make an educated comparison for me?

I have to say, at the moment, without having driven either, I would be probably leaning towards the XKR, which is why I decided to post this thread here. Ever since my old man was looking at the GT-S and he eventually plumped for a California, Maseratis have replaced Cheryl Cole in my dreams.

I did do a search for ‘Gransport’ so any extra info would be much appreciated.

Planning on taking a look at a couple of these as I have a free weekend and I really hope I like either of them because otherwise I’ll probably end buying something quick and german, like an M3, which I think would be a little bit boring!

Thanks a lot.

Rich

I thought about a Gransport a year or so ago as an everyday car and spent a while doing some research on them. They seem to be able to sit 4 people relatively comfortably, make a amazing noise, just listen to this one with a tuned exhaust : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNpCD083skw&fea...

I like them and think at the money they are now at represent pretty good value for money. The only downsides I could find were, the car is possibly a bit dated now i.e. terrible Sat Nav (same as old Ferrari unit), Flappy paddle only which is not to everyone’s taste and takes a little bit of getting used to (where as the XKR is a full auto with paddle over ride) and servicing costs seemed quite high. If you find a good specialist though I’m sure they would probably keep the costs down.

Hope that helps and let us know how you get on.

[doodlebug]

Pork said:

Well, you learn something every day! I thought it was based on the 430's engine...

Almost right - the 430's engine is based on the 4200, but has a flat-plane crank and variators on both the inlet and exhaust cams instead of the Maserati's crucifix crank and inlet variator only.

[F355spider]

Had a 2007 4.2 XKR cab.

Fantastic looking and reliable car, dealer service (Guy Salmon) was second to none .... actually felt like they wanted to sell cars !! Took our car to South of France, Italy etc ... faultless.

If you go for the cab, definately get the wind deflector if you intend doing over 40mph. Paddle shift gears are waste of time ... hard to get at the paddles and system nowhere near as smooth as that in my Ferrari strads/430.

kids up to 10yrs old ok in the back

Most expensive service on a Jag is £400 so thats a result, biggest issue was small petrol tank on holding £70ish which seemed continually to be needing to be filled.

Test drove th enew 5.0 XKR and its in another league .... the exhaust note is just plain sex.

Great cars and definately having another



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Edited by F355spider on Sunday 4th December 14:48

[melvster]

Gransport for me, had a passenger ride in 2 of them and they are stunning cars, the one car i aspire to own one day.