UK vs Germany — 1927 vs 1928
| 4.5 Litre Le Mans | SSK Count Trossi Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 210 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 4,398 cc | 7,065 cc |
| Top Speed | 92 mph | 146 mph |
| Weight | 3,360 lbs | 3,748 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 2,950 mm |
| Length | 4,420 mm | 4,250 mm |
| Units Produced | 665 | 33 |
| Original MSRP | $6,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,000,000 | $30,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi Special answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between UK and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans versus 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi Special is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi Special holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 110 hp, a 190-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley 4.5 Litre uses a Inline-4 SOHC displacing 4,398 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz SSK relies on a Inline-6 SOHC Supercharged with 7,065 cc. The 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi Special claims a higher top speed at 146 mph compared to 92 mph. The Bentley 4.5 Litre carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 388 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 33 units built, the 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi Special is considerably scarcer than the Bentley 4.5 Litre's 665 examples. On the collector market, the 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi Special commands a significant premium over the 1927 Bentley 4.5 Litre Le Mans, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.