Electric vehicles have long been criticized by traditional car enthusiasts for lacking the passion and excitement of combustion engines. One electric car journalist decided to test this theory by driving the Maserati MC20, one of the best supercars on the market, after spending time with fast electric vehicles. Specifically, the journalist drove the MC20 Cielo, a spyder version of the car that boasts a unique glass roof with technology that allows it to change from opaque to transparent at the touch of a button.
The MC20 Cielo is powered by a three-liter V6 twin-turbo engine that produces an impressive 630hp and 730Nm of torque, all delivered to the rear wheels. With a curb weight of 1,540kg and a top speed of over 199mph, the MC20 is a true racer at heart. The car offers five drive modes, ranging from WET for slippery conditions to CORSA with the Electronic Stability Control turned off completely for a more racing-oriented experience. The transmission is an eight-speed dual clutch system, providing quick and precise gear changes.
Driving the MC20 on public roads, the journalist found it to be thrilling and engaging, thanks to the car’s responsive throttle and powerful acceleration. The car’s performance is impressive, but it doesn’t quite match the immediate torque and acceleration of the fastest electric vehicles on the market. Compared to EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid and the ZEEKR 001 FR, the MC20 may not reach the same extreme levels of acceleration, but it offers a more traditional driving experience that many enthusiasts still value.
Despite the impressive performance of electric supercars like the ZEEKR 001 FR and Maserati’s own Gran Turismo Folgore, the MC20 excels in its handling and cornering capabilities, thanks in part to its lighter weight. The journalist compares driving the MC20 to driving a Porsche 911, with a similar strategy of slowing down to navigate corners before unleashing the car’s acceleration on straightaways. The MC20’s balance and speed through corners on both public roads and racetracks leave a lasting impression on the journalist.
Ultimately, the choice between a combustion engine supercar like the Maserati MC20 and a high-performance electric vehicle comes down to personal preference. The MC20 offers a classic driving experience with an emphasis on power, speed, and handling, while electric vehicles like the ZEEKR and Gran Turismo Folgore deliver unmatched acceleration and performance. However, with Maserati’s plans to introduce an electric version of the MC20 in the future, the line between combustion and electric supercars may become even more blurred, offering car enthusiasts the best of both worlds.
