Ghibli vs. Quattroporte: Which Maserati Should You Drive?

1. Alfieri (2017) Very few cars are deserving of hype prior to their release. However, there aren't many cars like the 2017 Alfieri. Based off the design of models built in the 1920s and 1930s and updated to modern standards, the Alfieri demonstrates Maserati's dedication to continual improvement. The 2+2 coupe features an elegant exterior, and the interior opulence Maserati enthusiasts have come to expect. Under the hood, the Alfieri has the same 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 found in the Ghibli and Quattroporte, although it pushes a whopping 450 horsepower. If that's not enough performance, the Alfieri will also have a 520 horsepower engine option. more 2. 3500 GT (1957-1964) While the 3500 GT isn't widely known, as there were only 2,200 made, it was an important stepping stone for the Italian automaker. Prior to 1957, Maserati almost exclusively built cars for racing, but the introduction of the 3500 GT was the company's first attempt at producing a consumer vehicle. Today, it is one of the most coveted and expensive cars from the era, with the 1959 model fetching prices as high as seven figures. Even the famous car collector Jay Leno reportedly has one of these gems in his collection. 3. Tipo 61 Birdcage (1959-1961) The first race car on this list is also one of the finest examples of aerodynamic and lightweight engineering by Maserati. Although it only lasted three years on the production line, racing enthusiasts remember it as one of the most feared cars on the racing circuit. With a body weight of just over 1,300 pounds, pieced together with over 200 components, and a 250-horsepower, 2.9-liter, four-cylinder engine, the Tipo 61 achieved a top speed of 186 miles per hour. This model also won the famed Nurburgring 1000 on two separate occasions. A collector purchased one of these winners for over $2 million. 4. Quattroporte (2004-Present) After a lull in popularity in the 1990s, Maserati looked to redefine their image and gain some momentum heading into the 21st century. The Quattroporte did just that. While it's technically a sedan, the Quattroporte looks like a souped-up, elongated sports coupe. The extra room provides space for four passengers to sit comfortably, yet doesn't deprive the driver of pure performance. Under the hood, the Quattroporte sports the same 3.0-liter V6 engine as the Alfieri, although an upgrade to the GTS trim provides a 4.0-liter V8 that pushes speeds up to 190 miles per hour. With the storied history of Maserati, it isn't easy to name all of their best models in one fell swoop. However, if the past 100 years or even the past 10 years are any indication it's going to become harder and harder to name only a handful.   Image via Pixabay | CC0

Maserati has a strong history of developing elegant and luxurious vehicles. If you're looking to purchase a sleek car that has both power and grace, consider one of these exclusive models from Maserati. 1. Quattroporte The Quattroporte is one of the most stunning sedans on the road today. Even though this substantial four-door sedan weighs almost 4,400 pounds, it can also go from zero to 60 miles per hour in just five seconds. The cabin has well-appointed finishes with leather, chrome, and wood accents. The large wheelbase provides plenty of legroom, whether you're in the front or the back. The Quattroporte also comes standard with advancements like a Wi-Fi hotspot, iPod interface, and an 8.5-inch in-dash touchscreen display. The sleek lines on the outside and a high level of luxury on the inside have a starting MSRP of $99,900. more 2. Ghibli If you're looking for an exotic midsize luxury sedan, get behind the wheel of the Maserati Ghibli. While a lot of midsize sedans on the market today have plenty of legroom in the front, the back seat passengers often feel a little cramped. However, the Ghibli has plenty of legroom for adults sitting in the rear seats. The sedan also has a roomy 18.7 cubic feet of trunk space, so you have room for whatever you need to bring with you. To make your Ghibli stand out even more, you have your choice of six leather colors and five trim details on the inside. Plus, if you're interested in power, the Ghibli won't disappoint. It comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that can take you from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. You can get all of this for a starting MSRP of $70,600. 3. GranTurismo When you hear the name Maserati GranTurismo, you immediately picture a sleek, fast, Italian coupe. With a starting MSRP of $132,825, the GranTurismo packs a lot of refinement into one car. Under the hood, you'll find a 454 horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine that can take you from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 4.7 seconds. If that isn't sporty enough, the GranTurismo also comes with a Sport button that speeds up the gear shifting, opens the exhaust, and sharpens the suspension for a firmer ride. 4. Levante For the first time in Maserati's 101-year history, the automaker is finally offering a luxury SUV with the Levante. With the iconic fender vents, narrow headlights, and contoured hood, the Levante mirrors many of the style features popular in other Maserati models. It also comes with a 3.0-liter Twin Turbo V6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and Q4 all-wheel drive system. Go for the Sport trim level and get a carbon-fiber sport steering wheel and stylish seats, or select the Luxury trim level and enjoy Zenga silk accents on the sun visors and headliners. The Levante has a starting MSRP of $72,000. Whether you're looking for a streamlined coupe, classic sedan, or new and edgy SUV, these Maserati vehicles are some of the sleekest models available today. Image via Flickr by Anik Shrestha | CC BY-SA 2.0

Your Maserati is a high-performance vehicle that's made to turn heads. If you're looking to add an even more distinctive look to your vehicle, consider one of these upgrades you can get at your local Maserati Dealership. 1. Spoilers Custom spoilers can give your Maserati a unique look that sets it apart from other models. Not only do they enhance the look of your vehicle, they also upgrade the performance. At average street speeds, a spoiler simply gives your vehicle a more aggressive look. However, at higher speeds, spoilers disrupt the airflow over the vehicle, reducing drag, creating downforce at the back of the car, and reducing the airflow speed. You can have a spoiler installed on both the front and the rear of your vehicle. more 2. Exhaust Systems Not only does an exhaust system add performance and style to your Maserati, it also adds an unmistakable sound. Aftermarket exhaust systems come in three main types: header-back, cat-back, and axle-back. A header-back system completely removes your old exhaust and replaces it with a new system. Header-back systems provide the biggest improvement in performance and fuel economy of the three options. A cat-back system replaces your original exhaust system between the catalytic converter and the muffler. Finally, an axle-back system replaces the exhaust between the rear axle and the muffler. This system has the smallest effect on fuel economy and performance. 3. Brake Kits Once you have your Maserati sounding good, you want to give it the best braking performance possible. Whether you're on the track or on the road, braking kits provide smooth and aggressive braking. These kits use racing technology to offer lightweight components and anti-rattle hardware to reduce noise. The brake kits also use fade resistance, heat dissipation, and balance to offer the best performance available. 4. Racing Seats If you're looking to add a level of style and comfort inside your Maserati, consider upgrading to racing seats. High performance racing seats have anatomical backseat cushions that are not only designed for optimum airflow, they're also created for maximum comfort to cut down on fatigue during long drives. While most lightweight fiberglass seats are designed to fit race harnesses, they also have openings for conventional seat belts as well. If you're on the taller side, you can even get extra-large racing seats that are more accommodating than regular-sized seats. 5. LED Headlights Not only are LED lights good around the house, they're also a beneficial upgrade to your Maserati. Since LED headlights don't contain glass, they're incredibly durable and very difficult to break. Plus, since LED headlights are non-glare, they illuminate a larger area than traditional headlights. This is ideal for driving at night or in inclement weather. Finally, with a typical lifespan of 35,000 to 50,000 hours, LED headlights last a lot longer than traditional headlights. And since LED lights fade slowly, they're more reliable than traditional lights, which have breakable filaments. From a roaring exhaust system to extra bright LED headlights, the preceding upgrades add a unique look and extra style to your Maserati.   Image via Flickr by Ү | CC BY 2.0