Granturismo or 997 S

[hambo_layo]

In dire need of some advice and help. I have been lusting after a 997 either C4S or C2S (hadn't decided on looks over proper Porsche experience yet) for some time now and with time fast approaching to make the purchase a spanner has been thrown in the works.... the Maserati Granturismo. It's a beautiful car and although I'd be looking at a slightly older models than 997's I was looking at, its in the same price range. I loved it the first time I set eyes on it when it first came out but hadn't looked at it as car I may own until recently and when I realised I could now afford it at a used price...well that's where my dilemma started.... Has anyone owned either of these cars or both? I know the Porsche is a reliable everyday driver and know the cost of running and servicing inside and out but how does the Maserati compare?

[Paul O]

hambo_layo said:

In dire need of some advice and help. I have been lusting after a 997 either C4S or C2S (hadn't decided on looks over proper Porsche experience yet) for some time now and with time fast approaching to make the purchase a spanner has been thrown in the works.... the Maserati Granturismo. It's a beautiful car and although I'd be looking at a slightly older models than 997's I was looking at, its in the same price range. I loved it the first time I set eyes on it when it first came out but hadn't looked at it as car I may own until recently and when I realised I could now afford it at a used price...well that's where my dilemma started.... Has anyone owned either of these cars or both? I know the Porsche is a reliable everyday driver and know the cost of running and servicing inside and out but how does the Maserati compare?

I've got a 997, its really nice. Everything you expect from Porsche. Maserati looks a lot 'plusher' though. Driven one, loved the sound. Great value for what they are. MPG will be better in the Porsche, if you care about such things.

Cost of the Porsche depends when you buy in the lifecycle really. If its just had a major service, raditors, brakes and clutch, you've got about £500 servicing in just under 4 years to contend with, plus tyres (Servicing every 2 years, 20k miles on the Porsche), which makes it a bit of a bargain. If you buy at the wrong point in the cycle, you've got about £5k of servicing/maintainence in the same period of time. Plus depreciation, which seems to be slowing down a bit.

I think servicing intervals is much less on the maser. Maybe 12 months and 9k miles?

Maser looks so cool though!!

Edited by Paul O on Friday 3rd January 12:11

[hambo_layo]

Thanks for that. Have had my heart set on a Porsche and promised myself I'd get one before turning 30 (this year) but now time has come I'm now torn. My sensible head says the Porsche but heart is screaming out for the Maserati! Don't know if I should break that promise on a wild card!?

[BRMMA]

The only problem with the GT is the 4.2 engine just isn't powerful enough to give it the performance it should have, the 4.7 solves that but they're still 45k+

The 997 will be the faster, technically better driving machine but the GT will make every journey feel special

I'd go for the GT out of the two

[hambo_layo]

What's the servicing costs like on the Maserati? Don't mind fuel costs that's a given just don't hidden surprises!

[hambo_layo]

Any GT owners out there that can share their experience?

[BRMMA]

hambo_layo said:

What's the servicing costs like on the Maserati? Don't mind fuel costs that's a given just don't hidden surprises!

if you avoid the main dealers it's not too bad, indi specialists will probably come in at about £750 for a service

checkout www.sportsmaserati.co.uk

[DougieMc]

Some chat here too
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I had the same decision too, but had a 996 Turbo before, Im now waiting on picking my new one up March 1st ( Ive gone Granturismo).

[Disco You]

I remember reading that the Maserati 3200GT likes to throw up large bills for fun, and spend more time broken than working, but I have no idea if this is true of the Granturismo...

[hambo_layo]

Thanks guys. I like the persuasion towards the GT. I think it's what I wanted to hear tbh, just needed talking into it!

[DougieMc]

hambo_layo said:

Thanks guys. I like the persuasion towards the GT. I think it's what I wanted to hear tbh, just needed talking into it!

911 will be the fastest (end off)
but looks and noise the GTS wins hands down
depending on colour there is a couple of good examples for sale across on the Maseratisport forum

Edited by DougieMc on Friday 3rd January 14:58

[av185]

Think you need to decide whether you want a GT ( Maser) or sports car (911).

Whilst I can see the appeal of the Maser, it is also a lot bulkier than the compact but practical 911which excels in typical UK A and B road situations as well as trips to the Lakes etc etc.

For me it would be a no brainer 911 choice simply due to driver appeal and involvement.

You could always consider the 911 Turbo.....more sports GT......best of both......

[c4sman]

av185 said:

Think you need to decide whether you want a GT ( Maser) or sports car (911).

Whilst I can see the appeal of the Maser, it is also a lot bulkier than the compact but practical 911which excels in typical UK A and B road situations as well as trips to the Lakes etc etc.

For me it would be a no brainer 911 choice simply due to driver appeal and involvement.

You could always consider the 911 Turbo.....more sports GT......best of both......

Not sure if the OP is still searching but as of this week I own a 997 Turbo and a GT-S MC Shift. Very different cars as per above and although many say they compete, I don't think they do. The 911 is small, basic feeling, amazing sports car. I have owned various 997 versions for 7 years or so. The GT-S is an event. A very capable, sporty, responsive, luxurious, exclusive, event, but it is not an out and out sports car.

It really depends what you are looking for. If you want to enjoy cruising with the odd blast then probably the GT-S. If you want the drive hard with the occasional cruise then its the 911 (although it does cruising pretty well too!). If you are looking at 4.2 GTs, then it's definitely more about cruising.

Remember there is generally between 400-500 Kg difference between these cars so I don't think they compete.