OK, posted the same on 996 forum to be fair. I'm looking for an '02 911 or Maserati. I'm hoping there is someone out there that has owned both and can give some valuable advice. This will be a weekend / good weather only car since I already have a DD. I've researched for a couple of months and still not leaning heavily towards either but have narrowed the search down to these two.

What does the Maserati offer over the Porsche? I do like that there are not as many in the US.

 

Having recently moved from a 2002 TT X50 to an '06 Spyder, I have some input. #1 they're both fun to drive - and pretty much the same on performance. You're getting 8 cyclinders in the Maserati. The biggest thing, for me in SoCal, is that I can't go two lights without seeing 3 Porsches, but I have only seen three Maserati's in 3 months.

 

I'd be worried about the reliability of the Maserati, especially from 02. Make sure you budget maintenance cost into your decision if you go with the Maserati.

 

i would also agree that the upkeep of the maserati is going to be way more expensive than a porsche a 911 imo is also a more timeless car

 

On the long run if you have the cash ( up keeps services), go with the maserati.

 

Stay away from the 2002 model. Go with another year and you'll be fine.

 

not from SoCal, but i know what you mean, its just i love my porsches, but i say go with the maserati over a 996 any day, you get the beefy V-8 motor, and a little more to offer in the maserati interior then in the 996 model porsches. Also like Ken said you are a little more exclusive with a maserati then with a porsche, and the performance is very close on these models.
p.s 2002 go for about 28k to 38k, which is a steal, it's just that warrant that gets you stuck with that hefty service bill.....

 

Go with the 911

 

Depends on your purpose for the car. If you want something to be different and stand out at car shows then get the Maser. For pretty much everything else the 996.

 

If you want a backseat, go with the Maser. The V8 is just a great engine in those cars. But yes...stay away from 02, the 03 are more reliable...if you want to get a spyder, stay away from 02.

If you are getting the F1, make sure that you are OK with replacing the clutch every 10K or so...depends on how you drive it of course.

Good thing about the V8 is that it runs on chain...so you don't have to worry about belts changing like in the F cars.

 

The 996 has a rear seat too....of course you can only fit a small child in either car.

 

Maser would be my pick. Different and not everyone has one plus I really like the styling and that front grill with the logo on the center is hot.

 

I meant the back seat on the Maser is actually usable...quite roomy and comfortable actually...

 

Dude, 2 completely different things. If you're going for looks, style, badge, luxury, exclusivity, Paris Hilton-type magnet, get a Maserati. If you want a real sports car, want to track, take long drives in the mountains, etc. get the Porsche.

Well, actually I've seen a lot of people also get the Porsche for the badge, looks, & to drop panties & what not, especially with the prices how they are now, but that's just stupid. Women like luxurious cars &/or extremely exotic/exclusive cars, & Porsche is not that, unless you're talking about a Carrera GT. I have this proven because I still have a Mercedes SLK320 that I got in high school like at 16, but it's worth nothing now so that's why I don't get rid of it. The point is that ever since I got the Porsche 2 years ago my girlfriends would always be like "it's too loud," "it's too uncomfortable," "omGGGG people keep trying to race you" & etc. etc. etc. To this day they still always ask me to pick them up in the Benz.

Basically you have to ask yourself what your priorities are, & then you'll have your answer. The Maserati was designed as a luxurious & very stylish car, & they made it kind of fast as a bonus, but it'll never be a race car. Modern day Porsches are built as sports cars, with some style & slight comfort as bonuses, but they'll never be truly "luxurious".

In my opinion this is what each wins at:
Comfort: Maserati
Style: MASERATI!!!
Cargo room: Maserati
Quiet cabin & smooth ride: Maserati
Panty removal: Maserati
Race pedigree: PORSCHE!!!
Handling: PORSCHE!!!
Rawness: Porsche
Track/mountain fun: Porsche
Timelessness: Porsche
Main character in movie "Cars": Sally Porsche

Now, from those categories choose which are the most important to you & tally up the score. Then you'll know which car's for you.

 

If you want larger seats, for the maserati