Anyone have/had both cars with any advise/opinions??
Driven both. It depends what your preferences are. I'd take the 456 hands down. Yes, a bit more expensive to maintain (not much), but it is a lot of fun to drive. Besides, how many do you see on the road? I see quite a few Maseratis, no 456's.
456 was $225 new and now they are $65-75. 456 definately!! Better car V12 power plush glorious interior!!
old buddy the 456 is a much superior car, in fact comparing the two is like choosing between a lexus and a toyota
Tocayo, Lexus and Toyota are the same. Ferrari is a Ferrari, 456's Less than 80 per year imported into the US. however no warranty. Maserati, Ferrari built engine with a 4 year warranty. and half the maintenance cost. Rafi
dear rafi, given the information provided would you rather own a ferrari or maserati I have owned and driven both, there is no comparison
I agree, there is nothing like a Ferrari, I personally think the 456 to be the best GT car on the planet for that era. , however factor service cost and money no object when comparing them, I take the 456, throw in a 4 year warranty. You may get a different answer. Rafi
I don't agree. The quality of the fit & finish of a Maserati is generally superior to that of a 456. The switchgear on the 456 looks good but is actually quite flimsy, and the assembly is sometimes "shaky". I found recent Maseratis to have wonderfully tactile materials and better assembly quality. If you need the rear seats, go for the Maser. If you care about running costs and drive a lot of miles, go for the Maser If you want the symphony, poetry and endless torque of a V12, go for the 456. The 456 is not the rational choice, the Maser is more rational, but then if you are trying to be totally rational buy an M5.
I don't think there's much room for doubt here. I was facing exactly this question before I bought my 456. I think the only real question is whether the cambricorsa gearbox is a plus for you. If you live in an area prone to congested traffic, I'd strongly consider it. Otherwise, try this trick. Get in the 456 and put it in third gear as you approach a stop light and let it roll to about 5 miles an hour or less. Now step on the gas. There's absolutely no substitute for torque.
I have had the pleasure of owning a 456M before I traded it in for a Maserati MC Victory. I prefer the Maserati on a day to day basis. She is smoother, younger and offers a much much more advanced drive than the 456M... but once in a while I missed the old gal... the 456M is elegant, simple and no gimmicky start button, paddles etc. On a long run though, I will much prefer to keep and maintain a Maserati. Here are 2 pics of the MCV and the 456M... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The 456 was designed to be the BEST GT car in the world, no compromises. For it's era, I think it achieved that design goal. You have to understand the Ferrari definition of GT car: Stylish, very high speed, long distance transportation. Drive a 456 on the freeway for a while, preferably open road where you can get over 100 mph and you'll understand what I mean. The Maserati was designed to be a lower priced, lower maintenance, decent all around car. Nothing wrong with that. But not in the same league as the 456.
You are right, those were Ferrari's original INTENTIONS. However, the REALITY is quite different. The 456 can be subject to very expensive and recurrent faults, and the build quality was not on a par with more recent GTs. As much as the Maserati belongs to a lower class, 10 years of technology and development did not pass in vain, and I believe the Maserati to be objectively a better car.
You know, both the Maser and 456 are bargains these days. True bargains. A 456 is going to eat maintenance dollars, but a modern V12 and Italian heritage are worth the price. Masers seems to be much more reasonable cost-wsie. I spent quite a while at Scottsdale Ferrari not long ago talking to the service techs and no one seems to have much trouble with them. The big fear seems to be the same as all the F-car F-1 transmissions: what happens when the pumps goes? I don't know what the clear choice is, but you're not going to lose! Best question...where you live are the valets more apt to see a 456 or Maser? Pick the one that's the rarest.
I don't understand why you keep complaining about the "quality" of the 456. The build quality on my 95 456 is as good or better than any of the newer Ferraris I've looked at. And what, exactly, do you mean by "build quality"? Are you talking about panel fit? Are you talking about quality of materials used? Are you talking about reliability? Are you talking about how the wiring harnesses are attached? There is no doubt that a Maser will be cheaper to maintain. Not only is it 10 years newer, but it was designed to be easier to maintain. But, so what? If maintenance cost is a criteria for purchase, then don't buy a 456. Personally, I think if maintenance cost is a criteria for purchase, I wouldn't buy ANY Italian exotic. I forget... how long have you owned your 456?
I don't own one, I have a 550, but I have seen many friends' 456s and I can say that in terms of general quality (which starts with mechanical quality, reliability and ends with overall fit and finish quality) the 550 is much better. Don't get me wrong, I love the 456 but I just heard too much about the financial pitfalls to put me off the prospect of ownership. However, I don't want to sound like I'm slating this car needlessly. It remains a gorgeous machine and I'd still prefer it over any German for style and elegance.
I've looked at plenty of 550s, and I haven't seen much difference, especially when comparing similar year cars. Why would a 97 550 and a 97 456 be all that different, quality-wise? I think they were built on the same line.
OK, you are right on that one. Fact is, I've been mostly comparing 99-01 F550s with 94-96 456s. And I think the 456 was definitely improved from the early years.
