Italy vs West Germany — 1970 vs 1971
| Ghibli SS Spyder | 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | — | 278 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,930 cc | 4,520 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 8.8 sec |
| Top Speed | — | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,505 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm | 2,460 mm |
| Length | 4,590 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Units Produced | 125 | 237,287 |
| Original MSRP | — | $17,660 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder brings more power, greater rarity to the table, and the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder versus 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder holds a clear advantage in raw power with 335 hp compared to 225 hp, a 110-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 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL relies on a V8 SOHC with 4,520 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 125 units built, the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL's 237,287 examples. On the collector market, the 1970 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder commands a significant premium over the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.