Germany vs West Germany — 1936 vs 1986
| 540K Special Roadster | 300E W124 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 177 hp |
| Torque | 380 lb-ft | 188 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,401 cc | 2,962 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 16.0 sec | 8.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 106 mph | 142 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | 5,071 lbs | 3,175 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,290 mm | 2,800 mm |
| Length | 5,290 mm | 4,740 mm |
| Units Produced | 419 | 2,700,000 |
| Original MSRP | $14,000 | $37,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $18,000,000 | $25,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 2/10 |
The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E W124 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster counters with greater rarity, stronger collectibility, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster and 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E W124 share a manufacturer in Mercedes-Benz, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Mercedes-Benz brand. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster producing 180 hp and the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E W124 delivering 177 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz 540K uses a Inline-8 Supercharged displacing 5,401 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz 300E relies on a Inline-6 SOHC 12V with 2,962 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E W124 edges ahead at 8.1 seconds versus 16.0 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz 300E carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1896 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 419 units built, the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 300E's 2,700,000 examples. On the collector market, the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E W124, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.