Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2014 Maserati GranTurismo VS 2014 Mercedes CL-Class Near Phoenix, AZ

Both the GranTurismo and the CL-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

On the EPA test cycle the GranTurismo gets better fuel mileage than the CL600 or CL65 (13 city/21 hwy vs. 12 city/18 hwy).

The GranTurismo stops much shorter than the CL-Class:

For better traction and acceleration, the GranTurismo has larger rear tires than the CL-Class (295/35R20 vs. 255/45R18). The GranTurismo’s rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the CL-Class (295/35R20 vs. 275/40R19).

The GranTurismo’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CL-Class’ standard 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GranTurismo has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the CL-Class.

The GranTurismo’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (48.5% to 51.5%) than the CL-Class’ (56% to 44%). This gives the GranTurismo more stable handling and braking.

The GranTurismo handles at .95 G’s, while the CL550 4MATIC pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Road & Track skidpad test.

The GranTurismo goes through Road & Track’s slalom 4.4 MPH faster than the CL550 4MATIC (71 vs. 66.6 MPH).

For better maneuverability, the GranTurismo’s turning circle is 3.1 feet tighter than the CL-Class’ (35.1 feet vs. 38.2 feet).

The Maserati GranTurismo may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 800 pounds less than the Mercedes CL-Class.

The GranTurismo is 6.4 inches shorter than the CL-Class 550/600, making the GranTurismo easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.