Compare the2024 Maserati GranCabrioVS 2024 BMW M8

Both the GranCabrio and the M8 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, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

On the EPA test cycle the GranCabrio gets better fuel mileage than the M8 Competition (17 city/26 hwy vs. 15 city/22 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the GranCabrio’s fuel efficiency. The M8 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Maserati GranCabrio higher (5 out of 10) than the BMW M8 (3). This means the GranCabrio produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the M8 every 15,000 miles.

For better traction and acceleration, the GranCabrio has larger rear tires than the M8 (295/30R21 vs. 285/35R20).

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 M8’s standard 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GranCabrio has standard 21-inch rear wheels. Only 20-inch wheels are available on the M8.

The front and rear suspension of the GranCabrio uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the M8, 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 M8 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GranCabrio’s wheelbase is 4 inches longer than on the M8 Coupe/Convertible (115.3 inches vs. 111.3 inches).

The GranCabrio’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the M8’s (52.9% to 47.1%). 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 M8 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The GranCabrio has 8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the M8 Convertible (89 vs. 81).

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the M8, 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 M8 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the GranCabrio to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The M8 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the GranCabrio has standard extendable sun visors. The M8 doesn’t offer extendable visors.