Compare the2024 Maserati GranCabrioVS 2024 BMW 8 Series

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the GranCabrio. But it costs extra on the 8 Series.

Both the GranCabrio and the 8 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, 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.

The GranCabrio’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 207 more horsepower (542 vs. 335) and 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (487 vs. 369) than the 840i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder. The GranCabrio’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 19 more horsepower (542 vs. 523) than the M850i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8.

On the EPA test cycle the GranCabrio gets better fuel mileage than the M850i Convertible (17 city/26 hwy vs. 17 city/24 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the GranCabrio’s fuel efficiency. The 8 Series 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 8 Series (3). This means the GranCabrio produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 8 Series every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the GranCabrio’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the 8 Series:

For better traction, the GranCabrio has larger tires than the 8 Series (F:265/30R20 & R:295/30R21 vs. F:245/35R20 & R:275/30R20).

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 8 Series’ standard 40 series front and 35 series rear tires. The GranCabrio’s tires are lower profile than the 8 Series’ optional 35 series front 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 8 Series. The 8 Series’ largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The front and rear suspension of the GranCabrio uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the 8 Series, 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 8 Series doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GranCabrio’s wheelbase is 4.2 inches longer than on the 8 Series (115.3 inches vs. 111.1 inches).

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

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 8 Series 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 8 Series 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 8 Series doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The GranCabrio has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The 8 Series doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.