Test drove CTSV, M5, M3, and GranTursimo S

[Damage Inc]

Currently driving an 08 M6 w/ tubi exhaust. Had an E90 M3 for 4 years prior. Loved the M3, really like the M6, but itching for something new.

CTVS:
Likes:
excellent, connected steering! Reminded me of my E46 M3. Much better than the E90 M or my M6.
SOLID chassis, the car is very well built. Felt very solid.

Dislikes:
Exterior is good looking but not great compared to M
No engine sound just a supercharger whine. pretty bummed out, thought it would sound like a rumbling American v8

2013 M5
Likes:
nice looking
very comfortable, well built
smooth on the highway
quiet

Dislikes:
no engine or exhaust sound! Waaay to insulated for a sports sedan. its more like a 7 series sport than an M car. Great if you're looking for a highways cruiser. I got back in my M6 and had a huge grin on my face hearing the V10 rev up to 8000 rpm.

GranTurisom:
Likes
Gorgeous looking
the SOUND. OMG. I love the sound of a Ferrari, and this V8 and sport exhaust is out of this world. Similar to a Ferrari California.

Dislikes:
Interior is a little odd, some super nice materials some cheap stuff
Definitely a GT

The only car I left wanting more than my M6 was the Maserati. Holy crap did it sound amazing. Did I say it sounded amazing?

I was shocked by:

How well the CSTV drove, very connected steering and solid chassis
How lame the M5 was to drive, just DULL vs. the E60
How amazing the GT sounded, that will get my $$$$

Next up is to drive the 991 (haven't been in one yet). We'll see how that goes.

[signes]

Nice write-up, thanks for posting. How was the handling of the Maser compared to what you expected (other than the "GT" comment)?

Also please post a video of the exhaust on your M6...

[F1Venom]

Sounds like you want a 2013 CLS63 AMG. You'll have the comforts and looks of an M5 and sounds as awesome as the Masersti's.

[swanson]

nothing like some mods to help the sound. Enjoy

[pkimM3r]

how can you test the handling on a test drive????????

[FVM3]

I know thats a Maserati but trust me, even the GTS isnt that fast

[Ezio]

Maserati are known for having a great sound. The newer M5s do not do anything for me. They are lame. The V10 has much more spirit. CTS Vs are pretty cool, best car to mod.

I think the Maserati is the car i would get.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by pkim1079

how can you test the handling on a test drive????????

I wasn't commenting on "handling" but on the steering feel and connection to the road (or not). Is it vague and numb, or do you feel the road through the steering wheel. This is different than suspension and body roll.

Pretty easy to feel through the steering wheel when pushing the car without taking the car to the limits.

[TrevorM3]

I've got a GT at my shop right now, and cold start in the morning gives me the chills. Definitely sounds sick..

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by signes

Nice write-up, thanks for posting. How was the handling of the Maser compared to what you expected (other than the "GT" comment)?

Also please post a video of the exhaust on your M6...

This is a video of the setup I have now (bought it from the car in the video)

[pkimM3r]

Originally Posted by MojorisinM3

I wasn't commenting on "handling" but on the steering feel and connection to the road (or not). Is it vague and numb, or do you feel the road through the steering wheel. This is different than suspension and body roll.

Pretty easy to feel through the steering wheel when pushing the car without taking the car to the limits.

Doesnt an m3 give you better connection at higher speed? I personally dont like having the steering unnecessarily stiff when coasting around and or parking. Cant stand the 135i because of that but love the m3 because its lught when parking and connected when going 150mph.

Just because its stiff doesnt mean its connected. at slow speed things may not be the way they feel.

[signes]

That sounds sooooooooooooooooo good. I've been toying with the idea of getting an E60 -did you ever consider that over the M6?

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by pkim1079

Doesnt an m3 give you better connection at higher speed? I personally dont like having the steering unnecessarily stiff when coasting around and or parking. Cant stand the 135i because of that but love the m3 because its lught when parking and connected when going 150mph.

Just because its stiff doesnt mean its connected. at slow speed things may not be the way they feel.

I'm referring to the road feel through the steering wheel, not the weighting. Go drive a 911, CTSV, and M3 back to back. Its hard to explain, but easier to "feel"

My wife's X5 steering is unnecessarily "heavy" at parking lot but super light at high speeds, the opposite of the M3. that is "weight" not "feel".

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by signes

That sounds sooooooooooooooooo good. I've been toying with the idea of getting an E60 -did you ever consider that over the M6?

Yes. I actually wanted (and still want) the M5 over the M6 for the 4 doors. However I couldn't find the right M5 to meet my criteria after 6 months of searching, so gave in to this M6 I found

[NikB316]

My father was in a similar dilemma. Had an E60 M5, C4S Cab and was looking for something new. Ended up with a new GranaTurismo S with a ridiculous MC Carbon Fiber interior and exterior kit.

Rosso Red + $20k of carbon fiber =


You really feel like you are driving something special and Italian. It is known as one of the best sounding cars on the road. Is it extremely fast? No - similar to M3 in that category. Does it handle well? Yes - absolutely amazing handling especially given its weight. It out handles the M6 and others in all reviews. It's perfect for him as he wants something comfy, fairly quick and rare. Also, having 4 useable seats was a big selling point. The rear seats are similar to the M3 - definitely better than the M6 and those toy seats in the Carrera. It is an excellent car but for the $145k (fully loaded with extra CF) it is going to be hard to pass up the deals they have on F430s with just a few thousand miles. Same ballpark. We did however get the Maserati brand new for over $20k off msrp .

Can't beat 0 down $1600/mo with taxes included on a $145k exotic!

He was paying $50 less a month on a C4S Cab that was like $25k less and that too was discounted over $10k.

Some BMW dealerships are asking for these kind of numbers on $100k M5 got to be a sucker to lease one at that unless you are definitely buying it after.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by NikB316

My father was in a similar dilemma. Had an E60 M5, C4S Cab and was looking for something new. Ended up with a new GranaTurismo S with a ridiculous MC Carbon Fiber interior and exterior kit.

Rosso Red + $20k of carbon fiber =


You really feel like you are driving something special and Italian. It is known as one of the best sounding cars on the road. Is it extremely fast? No - similar to M3 in that category. Does it handle well? Yes - absolutely amazing handling especially given its weight. It out handles the M6 and others in all reviews. It's perfect for him as he wants something comfy, fairly quick and rare. Also, having 4 useable seats was a big selling point. The rear seats are similar to the M3 - definitely better than the M6 and those toy seats in the Carrera. It is an excellent car but for the $145k (fully loaded with extra CF) it is going to be hard to pass up the deals they have on F430s with just a few thousand miles. Same ballpark. We did however get the Maserati brand new for over $20k off msrp .

Can't beat 0 down $1600/mo with taxes included on a $145k exotic!

He was paying $50 less a month on a C4S Cab that was like $25k less and that too was discounted over $10k.

Some BMW dealerships are asking for these kind of numbers on $100k M5 got to be a sucker to lease one at that unless you are definitely buying it after.

Nice. Thanks for sharing. My budget is $75k max however, I'm looking for the right 09 black "S" w/ low miles. Hard to find.

So, how do you like the Maserati vs. the 911? 911 is a great car, however the GT sound is to die for, plus not as "common" as a 911.