Germany vs Germany — 1957 vs 1993
| 300 SL Roadster | E 60 AMG W124 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 215 hp | 381 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,996 cc | 5,956 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 sec | 5.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 168 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.5 sec | 13.3 sec |
| Weight | 3,131 lbs | 3,880 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,800 mm |
| Length | 4,520 mm | 4,770 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,858 | 170 |
| Original MSRP | $11,000 | $150,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,000,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 9/10 |
The 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 60 AMG W124 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster counters with lighter weight, 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 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster and 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 60 AMG 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. The 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 60 AMG W124 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 381 hp compared to 215 hp, a 166-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster uses a Inline-6 SOHC displacing 2,996 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz E 60 AMG relies on a V8 DOHC 32V with 5,956 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 60 AMG W124 edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 7.5 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 749 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 170 units built, the 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 60 AMG W124 is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster's 1,858 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 60 AMG W124, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.