1956 Maserati 450 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Maserati 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Maserati 450 would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 450 (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 450 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1260 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Maserati 450. (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Maserati 450. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1956 Maserati 450 has manual transmission. 1956 Maserati 450 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Maserati 450 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | SL |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4478 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 487 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 2050 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
