Italy vs Italy — 1957 vs 1959
| 3500 GT Touring | 250 GT SWB Berlinetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 231 lb-ft | 202 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,485 cc | 2,953 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 6.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 143 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 14.5 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,315 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,200 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,226 | 176 |
| Original MSRP | — | $13,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $500,000 | $12,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 9/10 |
The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Touring counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Among Grand Tourer enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Touring and 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is one for the ages. These Post-war machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 230 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Maserati 3500 GT uses a Inline-6 DOHC 12V displacing 3,485 cc, while the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta relies on a V12 SOHC with 2,953 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta edges ahead at 6.2 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 176 units built, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is considerably scarcer than the Maserati 3500 GT's 2,226 examples. On the collector market, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta commands a significant premium over the 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Touring, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.