Compare the2024 Maserati GranCabrioVS 2024 Mercedes AMG SL

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

Both the GranCabrio and the AMG SL 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 167 more horsepower (542 vs. 375) and 133 lbs.-ft. more torque (487 vs. 354) than the AMG SL 43’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The GranCabrio’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 73 more horsepower (542 vs. 469) than the AMG SL 55’s standard 4.0 turbo V8.

On the EPA test cycle the GranCabrio gets better mileage than the AMG SL:

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

For better traction, the GranCabrio has larger tires than the AMG SL (F:265/30R20 & R:295/30R21 vs. F:255/45R19 & R:285/40R19).

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 AMG SL 43’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires. The GranCabrio’s tires are lower profile than the AMG SL’s 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 AMG SL 43.

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

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GranCabrio’s wheelbase is 9 inches longer than on the AMG SL (115.3 inches vs. 106.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GranCabrio is 1.4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the AMG SL.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the GranCabrio a Subcompact car, while the AMG SL is rated a Minicompact.

The GranCabrio has 13 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG SL (89 vs. 76).

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 AMG SL does not have an oil pressure gauge.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the GranCabrio has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The AMG SL doesn’t offer rear vents.