Compare the2025 Maserati MC20VS 2025 Lotus Emira

The MC20 offers an optional Surround View System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Emira only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The MC20 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Emira’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MC20 has standard Rear Cross Path, helping the driver avoid collisions. Lotus charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Emira.

Both the MC20 and the Emira have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rear parking sensors and available crash mitigating brakes.

The MC20 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The Emira’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The MC20 comes with free roadside assistance for 4 years 50,000 miles. Maserati will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump-start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Lotus doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Emira.

There are almost 3 times as many Maserati dealers as there are Lotus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MC20’s warranty.

The MC20’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 221 more horsepower (621 vs. 400) and 228 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 310) than the Emira’s standard 3.5 supercharged V6. The MC20’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 221 more horsepower (621 vs. 400) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 354) than the Emira’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The MC20 GT2 Stradale’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 231 more horsepower (631 vs. 400) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 354) than the Emira’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Maserati MC20 3.0 is faster than the Lotus Emira turbo 4 cyl. (automatics tested):

The MC20 has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Emira (15.9 vs. 13.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Maserati MC20, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Emira.

For better stopping power the MC20’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Emira:

The MC20 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Emira doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The MC20 stops shorter than the Emira:

For better traction and acceleration, the MC20 has larger rear tires than the Emira (305/30R20 vs. 295/30R20).

The MC20 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Emira’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The MC20 has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Emira doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the MC20’s wheelbase is 4.9 inches longer than on the Emira (106.3 inches vs. 101.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the MC20 is 2.2 inches wider in the front and 1.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Emira.

The MC20 Coupe handles at 1.08 G’s, while the Emira pulls only 1.00 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The MC20’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Emira doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the MC20. The Emira doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The engine in the MC20 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Emira. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The MC20 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Emira doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The MC20’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Emira doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the MC20 the driver can close them all from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Emira can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The MC20’s standard Extended Keyless Go allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Start standard on the Emira only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The MC20’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Emira’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The MC20’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Emira doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The Maserati MC20 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Lotus charges extra for Homelink® on the Emira.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Maserati MC20 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Emira doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Maserati MC20 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Lotus Emira isn’t available as a convertible.