Italy vs Italy — 1957 vs 1959
| 3500 GT Touring Superleggera | 250 GT SWB Berlinetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 220 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 232 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 | 4,580 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 |
Numbers favor the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Touring Superleggera offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
In the world of Grand Tourer cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Touring Superleggera versus the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Both hail from Post-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 220 hp, a 60-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 Superleggera, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.