Maserati 3500 GT Spyder

vs

Maserati 450S

Italy vs Italy — 1957 vs 1957

Maserati 3500 GT Spyder (1957)
Maserati 450S (1957)
Specifications
3500 GT Spyder Vignale Spider450S
Horsepower235 hp400 hp
Torque234 lb-ft340 lb-ft
Engine Size3,485 cc4,477 cc
0-60 mph7.2 sec4.5 sec
Top Speed143 mph180 mph
¼ Mile15.1 sec
Weight2,866 lbs1,940 lbs
Wheelbase2,500 mm2,310 mm
Length4,480 mm4,200 mm
Units Produced24210
Original MSRP$10,800
Value (Excellent)$1,200,000$9,000,000
Collectibility9/1010/10
Rarity8/1010/10
The Verdict

The 1957 Maserati 450S emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale Spider 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.

Overview

The 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale Spider and 1957 Maserati 450S share a manufacturer in Maserati, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Maserati brand. The 1957 Maserati 450S holds a clear advantage in raw power with 400 hp compared to 235 hp, a 165-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder uses a Straight-6 DOHC displacing 3,485 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 7.2 seconds. The Maserati 450S carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 926 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 10 units built, the 1957 Maserati 450S is considerably scarcer than the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder's 242 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 Maserati 450S commands a significant premium over the 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale Spider, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.