Good evening everyone, I am 28 years old, passionate about cars and Italian since small. Currently I own a 1999 3200 GT manual transmission. But now, for a little while now, I'd really like to go back to an atmospheric engine and even a V12... as well as an even more exclusive car. I really like the 456 with a manual gearbox, but I've never tried one. If people have already tried both vehicles, I would like feedback if possible. From what I've heard the 456 sends out a lot (big torque), much more than a 4200 coupé which I find light in torque. coming out of the 3200 I would like something that provides a nice push with more pleasure (responsiveness, sound, etc.)
No first hand experience with your Maserati, but I am a 95 456 owner. Comparing the two, the 456 is 200mm longer and about 100mm wider, so the footprint is a bit more substantial. On paper the 456 has the edge in speed, but it’s close enough that it likely doesn’t matter in the hands of a good driver. The V12 does have torque throughout the whole power band, it’s really fantastic, it will just pull, in any gear. You have about a 70hp advantage with the Ferrari. As far as driving, the visibility is great, it feels like a much smaller car from behind the wheel and is easy to enjoy right from the get go. I would expect about the same build quality in materials and nuances… so you may be used to any common problems. Maintenance wise, if you are a DIY person, it’s very straightforward to work on, and a wealth of mechanical knowledge is posted here too. Having a lot of 550 crossover, also gives a larger sampling of parts and experience. maintenance issues known to the model are well documented and most things have a reasonable fix. Quite a lot of high mileage cars out there, reliability can be high when properly maintained. The front seats are comfortable, and definitely lean on the GT level of support vs outright sports car. The backseats are deep and wide, but headroom is not abundant, I assume similar to your car. Gas mileage is marginal on the best of drives, but it’s fun getting to your next fill up. where are you located in the world, that would help point you in the right direction. Acquisition costs are likely running about double to your car.
thank you very much for your comment, it reassures me that the handling is good and that the size does not give the impression of a big car. I like the v12's plentiful torque, there's plenty of it at low revs and even more at 5000, all with the sharp throttle response typical of naturally aspirated engines. I don't think the headrests are worse than on the 3200, the seats are very good on this one but the headrests are too far back to prevent you from really enjoying them. I'm considering the 456 but not right away. for the moment the 3200 is on sale so I will be patient. I live in France
I’ve driven both a 4200 and a MGT. I found the 4200 to be slightly more spacious. The MGT has much, much better materials and detailing in its construction. The sound is better, and the transmission feel (nothing to do with gated/not gated) is much more refined. The clutch and shifting of a 4200 can be hit or miss by comparison unless you’re willing to be a bit rough with it. The Maser does not like to be babied through the gears in the 3-4 I’ve driven. The clutch pedal was much firmer on the MGT but was more predictable in its engagement. The engine is obviously a considerable improvement on paper but wasn’t as immediate and obvious as I might have expected. The suspension on the MGT is significantly better - there is a ton of body roll in 4200’s, especially without the skyhook suspension. The Ferrari does not beat the Maserati in any one point by a very wide margin, but it does beat it in all points by a noticeable one. The MGT was a much more pleasant car to drive - even around town. I cannot think what I would improve on it, aside from any car more than 10 years old could always be faster.
