2005 Maserati Spyder New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Maserati Spyder?
Maserati has updated the Spyder's exterior styling slightly by adding a more prominent grille, rear air vents and an aerodynamic lip running along the sides. Additionally, new seven-spoke wheels are now offered as standard equipment.

Advantages of the 2005 Maserati Spyder:

• Ferrari-sourced 4.2-liter V8
• Cambiocorsa sequential manual transmission
• Can tailor to specific customer tastes

Objections to the 2005 Maserati Spyder:

• Stereo, climate and trip computer operated through Maserati Info Center, even when there is no navigation option specified
• Dowdy design

Editor's Advice:
Trade two rear seats and a smidge of performance for open-air motoring, and you've got the 2005 Maserati Spyder. Based on the Maserati Coupe but sporting a shorter wheelbase and a bit of additional weight, the Maserati Spyder is powered by the same Ferrari-sourced, 4.2-liter aluminum V8 engine as the Coupe. Acceleration to 60 mph declines a bit to 4.9 seconds, and the top speed drops by one to 176 mph. As a potential buyer, you should compare the Maserati against cars like the BMW 6-Series Convertible, Cadillac XLR, Jaguar XKR Convertible, Lexus SC 430, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Against this talented crowd, the Maserati is a little behind on refinement. But for those interested in an Italian convertible with some charisma, it's hard to beat the Maserati.