Germany vs Germany — 2021 vs 1954
| AMG GT Black Series | W196 Streamliner | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 720 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 3,982 cc | 2,496 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 202 mph | 186 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 10.9 sec | — |
| Weight | 3,417 lbs | 1,521 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,630 mm | 2,350 mm |
| Length | 4,577 mm | 4,190 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 14 |
| Original MSRP | $325,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $500,000 | $50,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series brings more power, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner answers with lighter weight, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Mercedes-Benz has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series with the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series holds a clear advantage in raw power with 720 hp compared to 290 hp, a 430-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series uses a V8 DOHC 32V Twin-Turbo Flat-Plane Crank displacing 3,982 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz W196 relies on a Inline-8 DOHC Desmodromic with 2,496 cc. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series claims a higher top speed at 202 mph compared to 186 mph. The Mercedes-Benz W196 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1896 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner commands a significant premium over the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.