Spyder v Grancab

[Valpolicella]

Hi all, I’m new here but what a fantastic forum you’ve all created. Currently an Alfa Brera Spider owner and am hoping to realise my Maserati ambition soon. I’ve been researching both the Spyder , late model and early GC’s . It seems that both have their unique problems to look out for and I’d definitely get an inspection before buying. In terms of which would be the better car for smiles per mile what’s the general feeling.

 

[dickygrace]

Welcome to the fold, they’re very different cars. The Grancabrio is a large 4 seat Grand tourer; the Gransport Spyder is a dynamic 2 seat sports car. If you’d like something to carry 4 people and to cruise around, buy a GC. If you’d like to own a 2 seater which is something rare and special to drive on A roads and European trips then go for a Gransport Spyder. GS Spyder should hold its value well, Grancabrio will still suffer some, fairly minimal depreciation.

 

[Valpolicella]

Welcome to the fold, they’re very different cars. The Grancabrio is a large 4 seat Grand tourer; the Gransport Spyder is a dynamic 2 seat sports car. If you’d like something to carry 4 people and to cruise around, buy a GC. If you’d like to own a 2 seater which is something rare and special to drive on A roads and European trips then go for a Gransport Spyder. GS Spyder should hold its value well, Grancabrio will still suffer some, fairly minimal depreciation.

Thanks Dicky, I’ve read that there maybe a scuttle shake problem with the Spyder. I have quite a bit of that with the Alfa. I’d like a smooth ride if possible, but from your comments so far, the Spyder would be what I’m looking for.

 

[dickygrace]

Yes both suffer with scuttle shake, but if you’re after a convertible then you’ve got to live with that. If you want to have a car free from scuttle shake, you’ll have to buy a Granturismo or a Gransport.

On 4200/GS Spyder, scuttle shake is less on the later cars.

 

[safrane]

Do you need boot space?

The 4200/GS has more, but of course you have rear seats in the GC...but if you need the rear seats for people....

 

[sionie1]

I have a GC, it does have scuttle shake, but not as bad as older cars. Like Dicky says, they’re very different cars so try and get a test drive in both if you’re undecided.

 

[conaero]

I have a GC, it does have scuttle shake, but not as bad as older cars. Like Dicky says, they’re very different cars so try and get a test drive in both if you’re undecided.

I would second that. GC is surprisingly rigid compared to the weaker 4200 variants.

Early spiders had little in the way of floor strength but the later class rear window models were noticeably better and the GS Spyder better again

 

[zagatoes30]

Most proper convertible have scuttle shake to some degree, my early Spyder was no worse than many others and as Matt says they got better (slightly) overtime. If you want a rigidity then you need a roof but IMO the 4200 / GS Spyder is just a lovely convertible it has a lovely balance of form and function.

 

[Valpolicella]

Thanks all for your thoughts, that has helped me a lot.