Germany vs Germany — 1968 vs 1956
| 300 SEL 6.3 | 300 SL Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 215 hp |
| Torque | — | 203 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,332 cc | 2,996 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 8.8 sec |
| Top Speed | — | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,130 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 5,010 mm | 4,520 mm |
| Units Produced | 6,526 | 1,858 |
| Original MSRP | — | $10,970 |
| Value (Excellent) | $180,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 brings more power, better value to the table, and the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster answers with greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL. The 1968 and 1956 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 250 hp compared to 215 hp, a 35-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL uses a V8 displacing 6,332 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 2,996 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,858 units built, the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL's 6,526 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.