1956 Maserati 450 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 47 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1956 Maserati 450. (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1956 Maserati 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1235 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Maserati 450. (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Maserati 450. 2003 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Maserati 450 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | SL |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4478 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 487 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 2025 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
