Advice: Audi S8 or Maserati Quattroporte GTS
Posted on 14-05-2016 at 14:00 by willeme – 148 Comments”
This seems to be an easy to be. Or isn’t it?
We received an email from Alain. He is in the fortunate position to choose in this segment of the uber-limousines. He has two cars that are interested. A Audi S8 of 2014 with 75.000 km on the clock and a Maserati Quattroporte GT S from 2012 which 25,000 km has been run. Before we continue with the opinion, a table to indicate how the proportions are:
Audi S8Maserati Quattroporte GT S
Engine:4.0 V8 32v, Biturbo4.7 V8 32v, atmospheric
Max. power:520 hp at 5.800 tpm440 hp at 7.000 rpm
Max. pull force:650 Nm at 1.700 tpm490 Nm at 4.750 rpm
Empty Weight:1.965 Kg1.880 Kg
Transmission:8-speed automatic, vierwielaandrijving6-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
0-100 km/h:4,1 seconden5,1 seconds
Top speed:250 km/h (limited)285 km/h (unlimited)
Consumption average:1 10,61 6.8
C02 emission:216 grams per km365 grams per km
Audi S8:
The D4 variant was in 2011 proposed, and it was a different kind of car than its predecessor. In particular, the engine changed the character significantly, as well as the saaiere appearance. With the D4 generation was the V10 thrown overboard in favor of a V8 with two turbos. Despite a smaller stroke volume, the ability with 70 horses. In terms of design seemed to be the task: “Create something great, make for four rings and leds. Oh, and for the lunch, please.”
The Audi S8 is an insanely capable car. Always fast, always power and always disconnect. The eight speed automatic transmission from ZF is excellent and the quattro vierwielaandrijvingsysteem very effective. The interior is fine: workmanship and materials are excellent. The S8 has standard air suspension. This filters out some information, but it does mean that the veerkwaliteit on a higher plan. In terms of driving the S8, especially very competent. So rather clinical and a bit boring. It is not a sports car but an Audi A8 which is faster. Casper and Wouter discuss the sense and nonsense of the S-label on a big Audi like with you.
Of course, we are not blind: the Audi looks like a big fast Audi. The S8 feels not as special as the Maserati. Despite the fact that the S8 is entirely constructed from aluminium feel on a twisty B-road each pound on the front axle of the S8. The S8 was to order a mechanical barrier for the rear axle (which was standard on the 4.2 TDI quattro). Not that the character has completely changed, but you will notice, however, that something more willing to submit when you are ‘enthusiastic’ driving. Exciting, however the never, the S8 is particularly pragmatic.
Maserati Quattroporte GT S 4.7:
The Maserati Quattroporte GT S was introduced in 2009. The basis of the Quattroporte originates back from 2004. In the basis is the Quattroporte almost a full generation older than the Audi. Something you especially notice it in the interior. Normally the QP a sequential container on the rear axle, but later versions have an automatic transmission to the engine block. Not as exotic perhaps, but a lot better fit with a limousine.
If you are interested in a Quattroporte, the GT is the version that you want to have. The engine is a true gem. The sound will never fail to keep you goose bumps. The transmission is fairly good, much better than the sequential versions, but still not perfect. Another thing to keep in mind is the torque, or the lack of it. 490nm is not a ridiculous amount, and it comes relatively late free, 4.750 rpm you should be at a minimum. Property of the atmospheric engine. In normal traffic is the combination of not too much traction and the slightly slow operation is not the very best. To a little bit of the momentum to keep, you the said rpm should be addressed. Not always annoying, but sometimes tiring. Let there be no mistake about means, the Quattroporte is more beautiful and more special than the Audi S8.
A copy buy is something else than a copy maintained. The dealer network is thin on the ground and there are but few who tinker with Masers, while the S8 almost any Audi dealer is welcome. A Maserati has a fairly short service intervals (10,000 km). Despite that there are certainly points where you should pay attention to, is the Quattroporte is a pretty reliable car. Everything stands and falls with the maintenance of course, but the horror stories of the 80’s continue to you saved. Another meaningful disadvantage of the QP is its consumption. That is drunk always. But what does it matter. You start the engine, gives a little morning gas, and you know where you are talking about. Put the speakers on 11, click here and enjoy the sound of the ottocilindri!
Alternative 1: Porsche Panamera GTS (970)
Perhaps the best match between sportsedan and limousine. Ok, the exterior is still not nice (but ugly). The qualities, however, are beyond dispute. A great atmospheric V8, topwegligging and a nice interior. In terms of handling characteristics can the Panamera GTS at least party offer to the Maserati, but the build quality and security features (4wd) of the Audi. It is only that appearance which you you should go, because he is in the Maserati and it lacks the understated cool of the Audi.
Alternative 2: Jaguar XJ-R (X351)
The Porsche just needs to be called because of the overlapping properties. But you would in a Panamera to be seen? Exactly. In the XJ-R is exactly the other way around. Perhaps the coolest offer in its class. It’s not only the looks, because the XJ-R has a few advantages which are not so but can be ignored: a relatively low weight (1870kg), high power (550pk!) and a brilliant interior. Used not so easy to find, but the prices are to do; the first owners have had to deal with a sizable depreciation.
Result:
Not as easy as we would think. The main question is: what do you expect of your uber-limo? The Audi is rather one-sided. It is a fast and capable Audi A8. There remains also in. The Maserati has a lot more verve and will always manage to get your automotive heart a faster beat.
The answer to this dilemma is actually quite simple: what about the rest of the fleet? If you want one car to have which you have to do, then, is the Maserati Quattroporte the best choice. No limo is capable of such sports car thrills to generate. Point. Do you already own a Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000 or Lotus Elise on the driveway, then the S8 is a perfect addition. Only every time if you have a Quattroporte over to see (and hear!) come get you again regret…
Gallery: Audi S8 2012
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Gallery: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS
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