Compare the2025 Maserati MC20VS 2024 Lotus Emira

The MC20 offers optional Automated Emergency Braking, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Emira doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The MC20 offers an optional Surround View System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Emira only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MC20’s standard Rear Cross Path uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Emira doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The MC20 has standard SOS and Assist Call, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Emira doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the MC20 and the Emira have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding and rear parking sensors.

The MC20 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The Emira’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The MC20 comes with free roadside assistance for 4 years 50,000 miles. Maserati will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump-start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Lotus doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Emira.

There are almost 3 times as many Maserati dealers as there are Lotus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MC20’s warranty.

The MC20’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 261 more horsepower (621 vs. 360) and 221 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 317) than the Emira’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The MC20’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 221 more horsepower (621 vs. 400) and 228 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 310) than the Emira’s standard 3.5 supercharged V6. The MC20 GT2 Stradale’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 231 more horsepower (631 vs. 400) and 228 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 310) than the Emira’s standard 3.5 supercharged V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Maserati MC20 3.0 is faster than the Lotus Emira turbo 4 cyl. (automatics tested):

The MC20 has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Emira (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The MC20 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Emira doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Maserati MC20, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Emira.

To facilitate fast shifting and allow the driver to focus on the road, the MC20 GT2 Stradale has a standard up-shift light to indicate when the engine is approaching redline. The Emira doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

For better stopping power the MC20’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Emira:

The MC20 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Emira doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The MC20 stops shorter than the Emira:

For better traction and acceleration, the MC20 has larger rear tires than the Emira (305/30R20 vs. 295/30R20).

The MC20 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Emira’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The MC20 has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Emira doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the MC20’s wheelbase is 4.9 inches longer than on the Emira (106.3 inches vs. 101.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the MC20 is 2.2 inches wider in the front and 1.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Emira.

The MC20’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (41% to 59%) than the Emira’s (37.9% to 62.1%). This gives the MC20 more stable handling and braking.

The MC20 Coupe handles at 1.08 G’s, while the Emira pulls only 1.00 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The MC20’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Emira doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the MC20. The Emira doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The engine in the MC20 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Emira. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

The MC20 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Emira doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The MC20’s standard Extended Keyless Go allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Start standard on the Emira only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The MC20’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Emira’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the MC20 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Emira doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The MC20’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Emira doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the MC20 has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Emira doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

The Maserati MC20 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Lotus charges extra for Homelink® on the Emira.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Maserati MC20 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Emira doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Maserati MC20 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Lotus Emira isn’t available as a convertible.