Review of a 3200

[Contigo]

There is lots of faux leather in the 4200.....

 

[highlander]

yes there are quicker, harder cars out there, and more modern but let's be honest, we do not drive these for just for speed do we? auto v manual - in the hands of a relative novice like me there is more chance to achieve the potential acceleration of the 3200 in an auto than in a manual but agree that in the hands of a "good+" driver the manual will outperform the auto.........the manual I think will catch out the "I think I'm a good+ driver" though.
re interior. it is all personal preference but I like the 32's interior, it is a nice place to spend some time.

 

[Contigo]

Very true Greg. I was on way to Silverstone and met another 3200 on the A43. Neck and neck as we left a roundabout and I pulled past him about three car lengths and pulled in front. We parked next to each other and first thing I said was that his was an auto as mine had the extra legs. The manual is a ***** in traffic as the clutch is so heavy and when cd the Getrag box is notchy and unforgiving.

 

[Trev Latter]

I haven't driven an auto, but see one regularly in the gym next door (and the garage opposite work when it breaks). Heard it pull out today after being collected from the garage by it's owner and it definitely seemed a lot more sedate on initial pull away than my manual. Still sounded terrific and just oozed character. I have to agree with Phil that the clutch isn't that great in traffic. The box seems pretty good on mine, although it does improve when warmed up a bit. I do find the engine a little snatchy when cold. It's much better if left to warm up for a minute or two before driving.

I honestly don't care if there are faster, better cars out there. Mine's bonkers enough for me and like Greg says, it's a lovely place to be. I love mine and as many have said before, every journey is an event.

 

[allandwf]

I love mine, manual, took a while to gell though, the box needs a firm hand. As said can be hard work in traffic, but once on the open road I love it. If I was to do mainly town work then the auto would be a lot easier, but I dont!

 

[alfatwo]

Very true Greg. I was on way to Silverstone and met another 3200 on the A43. Neck and neck as we left a roundabout and I pulled past him about three car lengths and pulled in front. We parked next to each other and first thing I said was that his was an auto as mine had the extra legs. The manual is a ***** in traffic as the clutch is so heavy and when cd the Getrag box is notchy and unforgiving.

Phil you were just about to get blown away at the time by an old 3.0 litre Alfa GTV6...But I was told to slow down by I'ts elderly owner..

Dave

 

[Contigo]

I was in limp mode on the way back Dave!

 

[dem maser]

I was in limp mode on the way back Dave!

Move it, dont want Benny to see it

 

[Contigo]

Lol honesty is best policy !

 

[LDM 3200]

I was slightly concerned when I started to look for a 3200, I wanted a manual but was worried about all the comments about being difficult to live with. However I need not have worried as the gearbox / clutch seem fine to me at least, I dont doubt there are better / slicker gearboxes out there and I guess it is more work in traffic but not really a problem.

I'm sure the auto is easier, and assume the 4200 as a whole is even more so but like and enjoy the rawness of the 3200 manual. Ultimately if I had wanted something that felt / performed like a VW or BMW I would have bought a VW / BMW.

Most Italian cars are flawed and that certainly seems to be true of Maseratis,part of the character maybe? Interestingly I was talking to Mike roberts a while back and he was saying that these days he didn't think there were really any more issues with the 3200 than the 4200!