Maserati Ghibli

vs

Maserati Quattroporte

Italy vs Italy — 1970 vs 1963

Maserati Ghibli (1970)
Maserati Quattroporte (1963)
Specifications
Ghibli SS SpyderQuattroporte 4.2 V8
Horsepower335 hp260 hp
Torque279 lb-ft
Engine Size4,930 cc4,136 cc
0-60 mph8.3 sec
Top Speed143 mph
¼ Mile16.0 sec
Weight3,814 lbs
Wheelbase2,550 mm2,750 mm
Length4,590 mm5,020 mm
Units Produced125759
Original MSRP$17,500
Value (Excellent)$1,500,000$450,000
Collectibility5/109/10
Rarity10/108/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder brings more power, greater rarity to the table, and the 1963 Maserati Quattroporte 4.2 V8 answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Maserati has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder with the 1963 Maserati Quattroporte 4.2 V8 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder holds a clear advantage in raw power with 335 hp compared to 260 hp, a 75-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Maserati Ghibli uses a V8 displacing 4,930 cc, while the Maserati Quattroporte relies on a V8 DOHC with 4,136 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 125 units built, the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder is considerably scarcer than the Maserati Quattroporte's 759 examples. On the collector market, the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder commands a significant premium over the 1963 Maserati Quattroporte 4.2 V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1963 Maserati Quattroporte 4.2 V8 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.