tough choices...

While my opinion might not mean much of anything, I've been told by several people that if you've been bitten by the F-bug, *nothing* will cure it other than buying a Ferrari... you can buy something else, but you'll still wish for a Ferrari anyway.

Tough choice, as the E55 is a wild sedan. Do you have something that fits those needs (ie. 4/5 seat daily)? If it were a 2nd car, I'd go with the Ferrari or the Maser. If you know you want/need the occasional blast through the countryside or such spirited driving, the Maser might be the choice between the two (Maser vs MB). I prefer manual cars.

 

Do you mean the Maser Quattroporte or 2-door Coupe? I own both an '04 Cambiocorsa Coupe, and an '04 E55 AMG. The Quattroporte is comparable to the E55 because they are both luxury sport sedans. But the E55 lunches the Quattro, and pulls away pretty easily from the Maser coupe.

It comes down to what you want to use the car for, and how you like to drive. I love the F1 shifter and how the Maser handles, but I also love the low-end torgue and sick acceleration of the MB.

Regarding exclusivity: my Maserati always gets attention even though most people don't have a clue as to what it is. No one ever looks twice at the E55. Low profile. But it is blindingly fast. And comfortable. And can take the whole family.

 

Well I would have definitely went with the 456 even though the 612 LandYatti is coming out soon.
As for the E55, that car is stupidly powerful and torquey, but as Suzy said, no one ever looks twice.
As for the Maser, theres one that I see routinely and the backseat is more of a jumpseat, so if you have little kids its fine, but if you taking the family to dinner, hop on the bus.
There both great cars, you really cant go wrong. The choice is yours my friend.

 

I use my Maser Coupe almost daily, depending on weather and # of kids to haul. My three big kids (all above 5'6" and 140 lbs) fit in it fine, but they can't take any friends along (I have an Excursion too). A Tubi is a must, as is an '04. Keep in mind this is more expensive than the E55.

For your intended driving, the Mas is perfect. You'd love it. The suspension is fantastic.

 

Price depends on options. A Cambiocorsa with a few options is about $90-100,000. An E55 with a few options is $80-100,000.

 

Both of our cars are loaded. The Mas was still about $10K higher, as you estimated.

 

I would go with the E55. It's a Benz and it will beat pretty much anything on the road. It also has a real back seat and 4 doors. Very practical, and can be parked anywere without worrying to much about it. You really can't go wrong. Benz has been having quality problems these last couple of years though but still probbably less the Ferrari or Maserati.

 

Even though the Benz is better on paper – better bhp, power/weight ratio, 4 doors, etc, the Maser wins on sheer driving and ownership pleasure…it is in a different league from the Benz.

You will enjoy the Maser in so many ways…

You will definitely want to wash the Maser with your own hands…just to run your hands over the body. If you got the Benz, you will probably take it to the car wash

And the sound of the Maser’s engine on full throttle … goes from an ungodly moan at 1500 rpm to a manic howl at 7000 rpm. And the instant throttle response is another pleasure.

And don’t forget the racy sounds as the Cambiocorsa gearbox blips the throttle to execute perfect double-clutched downshifts.

The Maser is also far more exclusive – the Benz E55 on the other hand looks almost identical to the 1000s of E-class Benzs grazing the highways.

If you have to be able to carry 4 adults frequently, for long trips, and really do not want the extra attention that the Maser gets, then get the Benz.

If sheer driving and ownership pleasure is important, the Maser is your car. The Benz is not even close!

Drive both cars and you will see

- Jon

 

If you get a Spyder, be sure to get a 2003 or newer, the chassis rigidity, and therefore handling is better.

If you are getting a Coupe, even 2002 is good, as majority of the technical changes since 02 are available as updates from the dealer (e.g. gearbox software, clutch, fuel lines, etc).

If you get a new car, you will get the added pleasure of customizing the car exactly to your liking – dashboard color, leather color, headliner, trim color, etc. There is something to be said in having them build the car to your taste.

Start the process now – it may take some time regardless of whether you get a new or used one.

Post here when you get the car!