Test drive Maserati GT against BMW 650i: fire and ice
Hot Italian passion for classy German perfectionism - when it comes to comparing the Maserati Gran Turismo and the BMW 650i Coupe, such an expression means much more than just a cliché. Which of the two cars is better than the sporty-elegant coupe in the GT category? And are these two models comparable at all?
The somewhat shortened platform of the Quattroporte sports sedan and the difference in the meaning of the names Gran Sport and Gran Turismo speak volumes enough that the new Maserati model is not a successor to the smaller and much more extreme sports car in the Italian line, but a full-size and luxurious one. coupé type GT in the style of the sixties. In fact, this is exactly the territory of the BMW XNUMX Series, which is essentially a derivative of the higher-ranked XNUMX Series with good qualities for everyday use. But apart from the extravagant rear end, the Bavarian car doesn't boast the unmatched style of its riotous southern-blooded opponent.
Icy perfectionism
In short, BMW is the same German car down to the last screw, like Maserati is a thoroughbred Italian. The Bavarian exhibits meticulous to maniacal craftsmanship, strict adherence to good functionality, equipped with all sorts of modern technologies such as night vision assistant, adaptive cruise control, etc., giving the feeling that you are operating almost a spaceship, which in some ways has great meaning. more capable than yourself. The 650i's finely tuned electronics allow for frankly extreme driving style, yet reliably stabilize the car in situations where the need becomes unavoidable.
The savage calls
Against the background of all this technological excellence, Gran Turismo offers a residual wild and unbridled, but sincere temperament, in corners even with the included ESP system allows you to "flirt" from behind, and on a wet track the pilot's adrenaline jumps to incredible levels. However, the heavy weight of 1922 kilograms somewhat interferes with road behavior, like a supercar, despite the ideal distribution of the table between the two axles. The Brembo sports braking system, by contrast, works as if it were unaffected by the weight of the Italian car.
The BMW is 229kg lighter, more precise and easier to handle when cornering, especially when the optional Dynamic Drive tilt reduction system is available.
Accompanied by an indescribable crescendo, the Maserati hits the 100 km/h mark in just 5,4 seconds, it takes just 14,5 seconds to reach 200. However, the top speed of 285 km/h takes much longer – at speeds over 100 km/h The evenly towed 650i takes the lead. The smaller power of the Bavarian (367 versus 405 hp) is fully offset by lower weight and higher torque (490 versus 460 Nm).
And this time the pleasure is not cheap at all
In the rear, the Maserati, like the BMW, has fairly large seats, but unlike its German rival, the Southern European offers plenty of room for passengers in those seats and even self-regulating air conditioning. The fact is that some parts in Maserati are not as high quality and functional as in Bavarian. The Italian also has safety flaws, while its price, fuel consumption and maintenance can be called not profitable at all.
On the other hand, a car worth about a quarter of a million leva is one of the most stylish proposals among modern production cars - Maserati stands out among the masses not only with the unforgettable sound of the engine, but also with the delightful charm of its whole essence. In terms of our scoring system, the 650i Coupe is the winner in this test, but that can't change the fact that its emotions are overshadowed by the Maserati. From a rational standpoint, the BMW is better than the Gran Turismo in almost every way. But what is the point of looking at Maserati rationally and is it necessary at all?
Text: Bernd Stegemann, Boyan Boshnakov
Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert
Evaluation
1. BMW 650i Coupe
The 650i impresses with its excellent driving characteristics, decent driving comfort and excellent everyday usability at a relatively affordable price in this category.
2.Maserati Gran Turismo
Maserati Gran Turismo opposes BMW's icy perfectionism with extremely sophisticated styling, incredible sound, meticulous detailing and a unique character overall. However, this also comes at a price.
technical details
| 1. BMW 650i Coupe | 2.Maserati Gran Turismo | |
|---|---|---|
| Working volume | - | - |
| Power | 270 kW (367 hp) | 298 kW (405 hp) |
| Maximum torque | - | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 5,3 with | 5,4 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | 37 m | 35 m |
| full speed | 250 km / h | 285 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | 14,1 l / 100 km | 16,8 l / 100 km |
| Base Price | 174 500 levov | - |
