UK vs Italy — 1958 vs 1957
| Knobbly Jaguar | 450S | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 243 lb-ft | 340 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,442 cc | 4,477 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 sec | 4.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 180 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 12.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,792 lbs | 1,940 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,337 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Length | 3,835 mm | 4,200 mm |
| Units Produced | 42 | 10 |
| Value (Excellent) | $3,000,000 | $9,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
The 1957 Maserati 450S emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1958 Lister Knobbly Jaguar counters with lighter weight, 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.
When UK engineering meets Italy craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1958 Lister Knobbly Jaguar and 1957 Maserati 450S embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1957 Maserati 450S holds a clear advantage in raw power with 400 hp compared to 260 hp, a 140-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lister Knobbly uses a Inline-6 DOHC displacing 3,442 cc, while the Maserati 450S relies on a V8 DOHC with 4,477 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Maserati 450S edges ahead at 4.5 seconds versus 4.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 10 units built, the 1957 Maserati 450S is considerably scarcer than the Lister Knobbly's 42 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 Maserati 450S commands a significant premium over the 1958 Lister Knobbly Jaguar, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.