Maserati Coupe

Just a curious question, has anyone driven the Maserati Coupe?? I was curious about feedback as a friend of mine is deciding between a 997s or the Maserati. I of course pushed the 997s, but having not driven the Maserati, he felt my opinion is biased.

I drove the convertible version last week at Pebble Beach, and had mixed emotions about it. The interior ergonomics are dreadful. The engine is very powerful, but the throttle is on a hair trigger. The steering was very light, but it seemed to oversteer all of the time, and was very squirrelly. All it all it was a completely different car from a 996. With a 996, I know I can toss it in a corner, and it will pull through just fine, with the Maseratti, I never knew if I would get through the corner, or be in the bushes. For me it was a thanks but no thanks.

Orient, What model year was the Spyder you drove? Early cars were not quite right, but the newest versions are rock solid in almost any department including cowl shake. The Coupe is even better as the body is stiffer. I wouldn't hesitate to consider one, if I was in the market for a GT. They do depreciate quite a bit, however. But, that seems to be the case with the 996 as well.

It was a 2004 car. The body structure was very stiff, but it was just the handling in general that I thought was loose. It may have just been my not being used to the car. I would imagine that once I had some seat time, I could calibrate my driving to the nuances of the car. But still I like my 996 better.

i drove an early 04 model couple with the cambio corsa transmission and really enjoyed it. the paddles were pretty cool and the transmission shifted very well. its fun to hear the engine and transmission automatically match speeds when downshifting at a light. i think the coupe is a GREAT looking car - even better than the cab. recently we were at The Collection here in miami where they sell nearly everything (maserati, ferrari, porsche, audi, jag, etc. etc. etc....) and i commented on how good the maserati looked - the salesman agreed, but commented that it was too bad that they had a LOT of problems.... personally, i'd still give it a look between it and a 997 - do the maserati now and see what happens with the first year production of the 997 - and then get a 997 in a couple of years....unless you're the kind of guy that has to be the first one on the block with the 997....

At Pebble last week I did get to drive the Quattroporte with the cambio corsa transmission, and really liked the concept. I must say that at low speeds the shifting was rather clunky and harsh, but at acceleration, it was pretty sweet. I'm not sure my wife would put up with the low speed around town clunky shifting. Here are some pictures of the cars

We've owned an '02 coupe, purchased new. Heck of an engine, great sound with a tubi (though too loud for some), generous warranty, we'll definitely look at the next generation coupe. The F1 shifter was a bit clunky in normal mode, but the newer software has improved shifts and the car was fine in sport mode. To me, the Maserati is quite different from a 911, I'd strongly recommend your friend drive both before choosing. As always, the question is what do you want? IMO the 911 is more of a pure sports car, the Maserati more of a high performance GT. Good luck to your friend, two wonderful cars. PS - you might try asking the question on the "other italian" section of ferrarichat.com, a number of Mas owners there.

very well put concerning a sports car vs. GT. the car we drove also had the tubi exhaust and sounded great. glad to hear you like it - i was sad when the dealer said they were 'trouble' as they're darn good lookin....