Supercar Comparison - 2005 Lamborghini Murcielago and 2005 Maserati Mc12 Stradale

2005 Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster

Drivetrain
Longitudinal mid-rear engine all-wheel-drive with TCS

Engine
6.2-liter (6,192cc) 60, V12, dohc, four valves percylinder, three modes for VVT on intake and exhaust cams

Transmission
Six-speed manual, viscous coupling to fore-aft limited-slip differentials

Suspension
Independent double wishbonesanti-roll bars; anti-dive and anti-squat; electronic shock absorbers with manual and automatic control (Koni FSD frequency selecting dampers)

Brakes
Ventilated rotors, augmented brake booster Power Assist, ABS, EBD

Dimensions
Length x Width x Height (in.)180 x 81 x 42
Wheelbase: 105 in.
Curb Weight: 3,671 lb

Performance
Peak Power: 589 bhp @ 7500 rpm (DIN)
Peak Torque: 470 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.8 sec.
0-100 mph: 9.4 sec.
0-150 mph: 21.3 sec.
Top Speed: 205 mph

Production
Location: Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy
Run: 250 per year
Build Time: 10 work days
Base Price: $319,250

Last Opinion: Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster
Designed by a non-Italian for German bosses, the Murciélago is still the best wedge-shaped Italian supercar design I know. And as a roadster it's even better because the beautiful rear end becomes a showpiece. Overall, I want a harder ride with less three-lettered drive technology involved. I like the all-wheel-drive idea, but now the 3,670-pound dry weight is about 400 pounds too much. Simplify the suspension engineering and lose some weight, and this could be the most perfect Italian exotic of all time. Adding power and making ceramic rotors available, as will happen with the new version for 2006, will help.

2005 Maserati Mc12 Stradale

Drivetrain
Longitudinal mid-rear engine, rear-wheel-drive with TCS

Engine
6.0-liter (5,998cc) 65, V12, dohc, four valves per cylinder, integrated Bosch fuel injection

Transmission
Six-speed manual sequential

Suspension
Double wishbones w/pushrod design; horizontal Boge dampers

Brakes
Self-ventilating cast iron Brembo rotors, Bosch 5.3 ABS and EBD

Dimensions
Length x Width x Height (in.)203 x 83 x 47
Wheelbase: 110 in
Curb Weight: 2,943 lb

Performance
Peak Power: 630 bhp @ 7500 rpm (DIN)
Peak Torque: 471 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.6 sec.
0-100 mph: 6.9 sec.
0-150 mph: 13.1 sec.
Top Speed: 205 mph

Production
Location: Modena, Italy at Maserati Corse
Run: 50 total cars
Build Time: 1 month
Base Price: $800,000

Last opinion: Maserati MC12 Stradale
The "Stradale" part of the name is misleading. Simply stated: If you really want to drive this car properly, take it to a large track. Its 630 bhp and 471 lb-ft of torque demand long straights and sweeping curves, especially given the car's length. The sound of the exhaust and the sensation inside the cockpit are both completely amazing. The racing Cambiocorsa transmission is fast and fun, though it would be better with a higher redline than just 7700 rpm. I hope Maserati survives, because it needs to make more cars like this if only to dominate the FIA GT1 class.