Italy vs Germany — 1947 vs 1955
| 125 S | 300 SL Gullwing | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 215 hp |
| Torque | 83 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,497 cc | 2,996 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 8.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 106 mph | 161 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 16.3 sec |
| Weight | 1,654 lbs | 2,855 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 3,950 mm | 4,520 mm |
| Units Produced | 2 | 1,400 |
| Original MSRP | — | $6,820 |
| Value (Excellent) | $10,000,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1947 Ferrari 125 S brings lighter weight, greater rarity to the table, and the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing answers with more power, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1947 Ferrari 125 S versus 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing holds a clear advantage in raw power with 215 hp compared to 118 hp, a 97-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ferrari 125 S uses a V12 SOHC displacing 1,497 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 2,996 cc. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing claims a higher top speed at 161 mph compared to 106 mph. The Ferrari 125 S carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1201 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2 units built, the 1947 Ferrari 125 S is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL's 1,400 examples. On the collector market, the 1947 Ferrari 125 S commands a significant premium over the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.