Japan vs West Germany — 1966 vs 1971
| 2000GT | 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,988 cc | 4,520 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.4 sec | 8.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.9 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,505 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,330 mm | 2,460 mm |
| Length | 4,175 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Units Produced | 351 | 237,287 |
| Original MSRP | — | $17,660 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1966 Toyota 2000GT brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL answers with more power, stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Japan and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1966 Toyota 2000GT versus 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL holds a clear advantage in raw power with 225 hp compared to 150 hp, a 75-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Toyota 2000GT uses a Inline-6 DOHC 12V displacing 1,988 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL relies on a V8 SOHC with 4,520 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Toyota 2000GT edges ahead at 8.4 seconds versus 8.8 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 351 units built, the 1966 Toyota 2000GT is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL's 237,287 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Toyota 2000GT commands a significant premium over the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.