My Early 296 Ownership Impression

Carbon bits and the stratospheric price without any performance addition was a NO GO for me.

 

The MAC is butt ugly from the front, not nearly as elegant as the mid engine Ferraris.

 

SF90 engine sound is Meh. 296 is what it should be.

 

I think you’re being kind. Sounded ill to me. I guess, like looks- beauty/ sound in the eye or ear of the beholder.

 

Are you referring to the weighting? If yes, the 458's steering weight could be adjusted by specialist shops. I guess that in the newer models, equipped with EPAS, it is even easier. It won't really change the texture of the feeling, but if weight is your gripe, it might suit you better.

Regarding the difference in acceleration that Jo Sta 7 mentioned, it would be interesting to see if there is a difference after the 296 has broken in.

 

@bamaman Lol you came in here with a few things to say, huh?
Love it bro and agreed with a lot of the posts (I think the Mac’s look really cool though)

 

Yeah dude the 765LT looks absolutely incredible. Every angle.

 

Those cars are so cool to me, because in terms of looks and performance they achieve a lot of the same thing, but in completely different ways. You have to appreciate both manufacturers for that. Top performers, and both look fantastic.

 

If you’re going by looks…
Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

That car is not even in the same stratosphere as the other two. It’s somehow heavier than the 296 (despite it having a carbon tub), sounds worse, makes way less power, brakes are way underpowered, etc.

looks cool though.

 

True- yet, still very fast and fun to drive. A bargain buying virtually new- now. Has a meaningful place amongst my Ferrari’s and Porsches. And one the most beautiful cars ever made at any price. IMO

 

Evo actually chose it over the 296 in the 2022 COTY award…

https://www.evo.co.uk/maserati/mc20

https://www.evo.co.uk/evo-car-of-the-year/204368/evo-car-of-the-year-2022

 

It's not just the weight but also yes the feel. 360, 360 CS, F430, 430 Scud all were less agile and a bit more sloppy on center (never owned any of them) than the 458 I had and some I've driven, but they felt more connected to the road than 458 and later, including the 296 for which the agile chassis and chassis "feel" helps, except for putting down real power in the rain. Especially combined with the steering sensitivity to slight inputs, which I love normally. But I only have 1500 miles on 296 so far, about half in the wet so maybe will get more used to it.

 

Have to face palm Evo, sadly.

 

Thanks. I drove Pista only on track, but back to back with 296 and 296 felt at least as fast and agile and sounded so much better, and $ lower though perhaps depreciate more (but wasn't primary).

But it's probably worth at least trying Speciale and Pista on the street before long, thanks.

 

It’s a beautiful car, no doubt. The interior layout is nice also. Looks great in a myriad of colors (I particularly like the blue they had for the cielo launch). I don’t want to disparage your car by any means.

 

It’s Ok. I don’t mind- really. It’s not perfect and it is rather quiet. And it’s not me you would be knocking- it’s a physical object. No hard feelings. I expect cars to elicit emotional responses- good and bad. I enjoy the discussion. Feel free to pan. Maserati may go under too and they aren’t exactly known for reliability. There are various risks. 1500 miles in- so far so good.

For more than $100k under sticker for an essentially new car that’s essentially as fast as a turbo S (except from a standing stop) it cost less than my Targa GTS- now that’s a car to knock- LOL. That’s my worst sounding car- but my wife wants to keep it.

And I’m not knocking the 296- which isn’t perfect either. And mine will be here in about a week. I got the one that looks like a platypus- launch spec ~165k in options. When it first came out I thought the paint scheme was ugly- and I expect to hear that from others. Oddly it grew on me. Very strange.

For those of us that are blessed to have more than one car they don’t have to do everything well- they only have to stand out in a different way to justify ownership. IMO.


Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The Cielo convertible is pretty in red and not a bad car to sample at $229k where they are transacting.

 

Coupes are in the $180K area plus or minus and include warranty (original 4 years).

 

I only wish the exhaust volume was 30% higher. It's all it needs to be PERFECT imho...

 

I got the same livery, Aluminio Lucido with a Blu Corsa car. It's unique to the car, and polarizing, but I find it so interesting.