1. Introduction: The Iconic American Muscle vs Italian Grand Tourer
Choosing between a Ford Mustang and a Maserati generally comes down to priorities: raw performance, cost‑for‑value, and driving emotion (Mustang) vs. luxury craftsmanship, exclusivity, and refined GT touring (Maserati). This article examines recent 2025 models—such as the Mustang GT, Dark Horse, GTD—and compares them with Maserati’s modern flagship, the GranTurismo II series. We’ll analyze specifications, performance, pricing, ownership costs, technology, driving experience, and brand ethos to help determine which fits your goals.
2. Product Line-up: What’s on Offer in 2025
Ford Mustang (7th Generation S650, 2024–2025)
- EcoBoost (2.3L turbo I‑4): 315 hp / 350 lb‑ft, fuel economy ~22 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
- Mustang GT (5.0L V‑8 Coyote): ~480 hp (standard) or ~486 hp with active exhaust, 415–418 lb‑ft torque, 0‑60 mph in ~3.9–4.3 s, fuel economy ~14–18 mpg.
- Dark Horse: Track‑oriented V‑8 version producing ~500 hp, manual TREMEC transmission standard, rear‑wheel drive, MagneRide suspension, burnout/drift features.
- GTD variant: Over 800 hp supercharged V‑8 derived from Mustang GTD race car, sub‑7 minute Nürburgring lap (~6:52), price ~$300,000 USD.
Maserati GranTurismo II (2023–present)
- Offered as base Modena (engine‑upgraded V‑8), Trofeo high‑performance, and electric Folgore version.
- Combines lightweight aluminum/magnesium structure (≈65%), all‑wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and driver‑selectable modes (Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa).
- Advanced infotainment: 12.3″ touchscreen, digital cluster, HUD, Maserati Intelligent Assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Alexa connectivity.
3. Performance & Driving Dynamics
Acceleration & Power
- Mustang Dark Horse: ~500 hp, 0‑60 mph in ~3.7–4.1 s; automatic/manual options.
- Mustang GTD: ~800 hp, 0‑60 mph in ~3.0 s; top speed ~202 mph; Nürburgring sub‑7 minute record.
- GranTurismo Trofeo: Maserati states around 550 hp, top speed ~320 km/h (~200 mph), 0‑100 km/h (~0‑62 mph) ~3.5 s in Trofeo spec.
Handling & Suspension
- Mustang benefits from MagneRide adaptive damping, strong rear‑wheel drive feel, manual drift modes, and a purposeful chassis—enjoyed by Clarkson as the “most childish and irresponsible Mustang ever”.
- GranTurismo features adaptive air suspension, adjustable driving modes affecting suspension, steering and engine response; designed for refinement over racetrack aggressiveness.
4. Interior, Tech & Comfort
Ford Mustang
- Cockpit features a 12.4″ digital cluster, 13.2″ SYNC 4 touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ambient lighting, optional B&O audio, performance seats (Recaro on upper trims).
- Practical trunk (~13.3 cu ft coupe), modest rear-seat space.
- Mixed materials—improved but still a few hard plastics remain.
Maserati GranTurismo
- Upscale Italian interior: leather, high‑end finishes, wood or carbon trim, noise‑insulated cabin
- Advanced tech: Maserati Intelligent Assistant, over‑the‑air updates, HUD, configurable cluster, surround‑view cameras, adaptive cruise control, AEB.
- Spacious for a 2+2 GT, boot ~310 L (~11 cu ft).
5. Pricing & Ownership Value
Mustang
- Base EcoBoost starting around $31,920, GT ~$43,000, Dark Horse ~$59,000–63,000.
- GTD ~ $300K track‑level hyper‑ponycar.
- Excellent resale: 5‑year depreciation ~26%; retains substantially more value than Maserati (~48% depreciation).
- Relatively low maintenance costs, parts widely available.
Maserati GranTurismo
- MSRP from $152,000 to $230,000+ depending on trim (Modena to Trofeo).
- Depreciation steeper (~48% over 5 years).
- Higher insurance, servicing, specialist parts, limited dealer footprint adds cost and complexity
6. Safety & Features
Ford Mustang
- NHTSA gives Mustang Coupe 5‑star overall safety ratings; small overlap test Acceptable; LATCH system rated Marginal.
- Standard Ford Co‑Pilot360 suite: emergency braking, lane keeping, blind spot alert, adaptive cruise on premium trims.
Maserati GranTurismo
- Packed with advanced driver aids: 360‑view camera, autonomous braking, lane centring, adaptive cruise — better suited to grand‑tour luxury context.
7. Driving Character & Brand Emotion
Mustang
- The quintessential American pony‑car, unapologetic V‑8 noise, rear‑wheel drive thrills, burnout/drift capability, manual handbrake return.
- Loved by enthusiasts for visceral character; Clarkson lauded its “childish and irresponsible” ethos in a good way.
Maserati
- Elegant Italian GT: refined for long‑distance comfort with swagger, exclusivity, and superb materials. Less aggressive driver engagement, more sophistication
8. Head‑to‑Head Summary
| Category | Ford Mustang (GT / Dark Horse) | Maserati GranTurismo II (Trofeo / Modena) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $32k – $63k (up to $300k for GTD) | $150k – $230k+ |
| Horsepower | 315 – 500 hp (815 hp GTD) | ~550 hp (V‑8 Trofeo) |
| 0‑60 mph | ~3.7 – 4.3 s | ~3.5 s |
| Resale Value (5‑yr) | ≈ 26% depreciation | ≈ 48% depreciation |
| Fuel Efficiency | 22–33 mpg (EcoBoost), 14–18 mpg (V‑8) | ~21 mpg (premium petrol), AWD adds weight |
| Interior/Comfort | Tech-forward, pragmatic, sporty | Luxurious, high-end finishes, quieter cabin |
| Handling & Ride Feel | Raw, playful, drift-capable | Tuned for GT comfort with adaptive modes |
| Service Costs | Moderate, widely available | High, specialized maintenance needed |
| Emotional Appeal | American muscle heritage, accessible thrills | Italian elegance, exclusivity, grand touring identity |
9. Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Mustang if you want:
- Maximum performance per dollar
- V‑8 sound and rear-wheel thrill
- Manual-transmission fun, burnout ability, tuning potential
- Lower maintenance and broader service access
- Strong resale value and lower ownership cost
Choose Maserati GranTurismo if you want:
- Italian flair, luxury brand cachet, exclusivity
- Superior interior materials, quiet smooth GT experience
- All-wheel drive sophistication, large touring comfort
- A refined grand tourer for long trips in style
10. Verdict: Which is Better?
- For sheer value, engagement, and American muscle heritage, the Ford Mustang—especially GT or Dark Horse—is the clear standout. It offers blistering performance, modern tech, and minimal compromises for a fraction of Maserati pricing.
- For those prioritizing luxury, exclusivity, and the prestige of an Italian GT brand, the Maserati GranTurismo offers elegance, advanced luxury, and touring refinement—but at a much higher cost of ownership and depreciation, with less visceral driver engagement for the price.
Unless you specifically seek Italian badge-luxury or aim to indulge in grand touring prestige, the Mustang delivers unmatched performance-for-cost—and wins in most practical comparisons.
Conclusion
In the battle “Ford Mustang vs Maserati”, the Mustang wins on raw performance, affordability, driving excitement, lower depreciation, and broader usability. Maserati earns points for elegance, exclusivity, and GT refinement—but falls short on value and user‑focus. If you crave muscle‑car adrenaline and a strong identity, the Mustang is objectively the better option for most buyers.