1958 Maserati 450 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Maserati 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Maserati 450 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1958 Maserati 450. (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1958 Maserati 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1958 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (706 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Maserati 450. (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Maserati 450. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1958 Maserati 450 has manual transmission. 1958 Maserati 450 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Maserati 450 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4478 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 487 Nm | 706 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1960 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
