Compare the2024 Maserati GranCabrioVS 2024 Audi S5

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The GranCabrio has standard Rear Emergency Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The S5 doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The GranCabrio’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The S5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GranCabrio and the S5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The GranCabrio’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 193 more horsepower (542 vs. 349) and 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (487 vs. 369) than the S5’s 3.0 turbo V6.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the GranCabrio’s fuel efficiency. The S5 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The GranCabrio has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the S5 (18.5 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The GranCabrio’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The S5 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the GranCabrio’s brake rotors are larger than those on the S5:

For better traction, the GranCabrio has larger tires than the S5 (F:265/30R20 & R:295/30R21 vs. 255/35R19).

The GranCabrio’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the S5’s standard 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GranCabrio has standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the S5. The S5’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The front and rear suspension of the GranCabrio uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the S5, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The GranCabrio has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GranCabrio’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The S5 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GranCabrio’s wheelbase is 6.5 inches longer than on the S5 (115.3 inches vs. 108.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GranCabrio is 2.3 inches wider in the front and 3.7 inches wider in the rear than on the S5.

The GranCabrio’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the S5’s (56.7% to 43.3%). This gives the GranCabrio more stable handling and braking.

The front grille of the GranCabrio uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The S5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The GranCabrio has 8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S5 Cabriolet (89 vs. 81).

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the S5, the GranCabrio has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GranCabrio’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The S5 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GranCabrio’s standard Extended Keyless Go allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Engine Start/Stop standard on the S5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The GranCabrio’s cruise control switch is lit from behind, making it plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The S5’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Maserati GranCabrio has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the glovebox. Only the S5 Premium Plus/Prestige offers wireless charging.