My compromise of an almost-practical nearly-sports-car was the Maserati Quattroporte, and it was the design that made me settle for it over a less practical Prosche 911. It really looks like nothing else, and I don't think anyone could say that was a bad thing in this case. Not only does it look like a proper sports car (nearly), it also feels like a proper sports car (nearly).
Start the Quattroporte engine up and the noise that confronts you is pure arrogant Italian bliss, more of a snarling purr than a roar, and thanks to this engine the Quattroporte can really advance, making for great motorway driving. Mine has been fairly reliable, but that's not to say that it's been completely problem-free, and I have been quite disappointed in this regard. But I see online that I am slightly unlucky in this regard, and most drivers report less issues.
One other criticism is the space; I know it's pretty much a sports car, but it seems like Maserati have set out to make a pratical saloon, and this isn't quite roomy enough to be considered practical. However, Maserati have done a pretty good job at blending the cocky, smooth attitude of a sports car with the sensible refinement of a saloon, so I'm glad I made the compromise.
I love my Maserati. I've always wanted one and now, thanks to my age, I can afford to own one. I decided to get the four-door Quattroporte, as it's big, powerful and luxurious and I'm not really the sporty type so a coupe wouldn't have worked.
All the misconceptions with Maserati are wrong. I've become obsessed with this car and I'll defend it to the hilt. It's a brilliant motor that combines speed with leather and wood - what more can you ask for? The Italians made this one right and I wouldn't swap it for any German saloon even if someone paid me.
Sure, it's not as reliable as the aforementioned, but who cares? The passion and the soul of the Maser mean that it steals your heart - and your wallet.