Which is better the GranTurismo or GranTurismo S?

This question has come up a few times on this board. I'm assuming you haven't had a chance to drive both yet? I've driven both a few times now and from an power standpoint its my personal view that the differences are minimal. I think the "S" engine seems to pull a bit more compared to the base engine higher in the revs and at higher speeds, but its so minimal there is no night and day difference. However, the suspension to me is the big reason why I buy an S over the base model. I'm speaking of the fixed suspension and not the recalibrated skyhook. To me its the best in its class, its that perfect damping without being choppy and still very much a daily driver type suspension but with less body roll of the base model. The "S" true F1 gearbox from the Ferrari 599 adds to the fun where the base model automatic seems boring to me and lastly the exhaust of the "S" is no comparison to the base model, quite frankly that exhaust sounds better than any current Ferrari IMHO. Snap, crackle and pop.

The bottom line is if you're not into the sporty stuff that comes with the "S" of course the base model is great choice. I think the styling differences between the two are so minimal (trunk lid, side skirts and rims) that visually I don't think you're taking a great loss either way, the add-ons the "S" has I don't think take away from the car at all. I had an "S" on order but bailed when the economy tanked and kept the toys I have for now.

 

I would drive both before deciding between the two. Roll down the windows on the GTS while your driving it around.......best yet from Maserati. I agree with Phil, the exterior changes are minimal with the trunk, wheels, and side skirts that it doesn't make a real difference. Personally I would go for the S if you were going to keep the car for awhile.

 

I have spent time in both, less time in the S version but the time I did spent it was sensational, got out the car feeling exhilirated! The sound of the engine is nothing short of addictive, the standard car is also great, more than enough power though you sometimes want a bit more low end torque. Both cars are gorgeous, I have it on good authority that the S will soon be availibe with an auto gearbox, the manual mode on the auto works very well.

Me I would got for the S...in fact I had to have a daily the S would be my only choice, it would be hard to smile at the sound of that engine.

 

Id beg to differ on night and day...drive 'em both, and you will instantly know.

 

Take a look at the various reviews and drive both cars.

Other than that, all I can say is that the GT S sounds FANTASTIC.

 

Maybe the best sounding car I've heard in my life! Vintage V12 weber carb Ferraris excluded of course.

 

+1 Its EPIC. I felt like I was in a Ferrari when I rode in one.

 

I have owned both versions. Did 9000 km's or so in the 4.2 ltr and never really warmed to it. I have had a 4.7 ltr "S" for 6000 km's and it is fantastic. The 4.2 ltr is bland and boring and the 4.7 ltr is brimming with personality and the sound track is massively entertaining.

Reliability and dealer service is woeful at best. They make great daily drivers; but I am not sure they are worth the trouble.

 

my 4.2l autobox response is nothing special, i'd like to try the 4.7l tho. BTW, will the car move in first gear? or stationary like an F430?

 

car is stationary in 1st, and drops into neutral after x amount of seconds idle.

 

You should try the new Gran Turismo S Automatic. Same exact elegant lines of the GT 4.2 but with 4.7L engine and an exhaust note that is exilarating yet toned down a bit from the flappy-paddle GT S

 

Every dealer should have their demo by now although it sounds like you made a nice choice...I love that color-combo!

 

If it's anything like the QP 4.7ltr "S" auto it will be pretty tame. I had one for a few days and it felt much the same as the smaller engined automatic.

They are bringing out a 4.7ltr automatic "S" version of the Granturismo soon. That should have more personality from what I have read.

I am not sure why anybody would want the auto version though. The automated manual really is close to perfect in auto mode. I use mine in auto quite a lot as it's a daily driver. I bet most passengers couldn't even tell that it wasn't a full slush box auto.

Mine is up to 7000 km's now. Great car as a daily driver.

 

What about clutch wear on the F1 in auto?

 

I suspect it will be minimal as the new generation is vastly improved over past systems. The only slip I can feel is in reverse when the car is stone cold only. Other than that it seems bullet proof. I did 110,000 k's in my BMW M3 CSL whch had an SMG box and that generation is now 7 years old. No clutch problems and it still runs on the same clutch with the new owner today.
I don't see clutch wear as an issue at all.