Germany vs West Germany — 1957 vs 1979
| 300 SL Roadster (W198 II) | S-Class W126 560 SEC | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 215 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 336 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,996 cc | 5,547 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.0 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.2 sec | 15.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,131 lbs | 3,924 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Length | 4,570 mm | 4,935 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,858 | 74,060 |
| Original MSRP | $10,950 | $73,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,200,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198 II) brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1979 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 560 SEC answers with more power, quicker acceleration, better value. 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 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198 II) with the 1979 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 560 SEC highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1979 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 560 SEC holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 215 hp, a 85-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL uses a Inline-6 SOHC displacing 2,996 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class relies on a V8 SOHC with 5,547 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1979 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 560 SEC edges ahead at 6.6 seconds versus 7.0 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 793 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,858 units built, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198 II) is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's 74,060 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198 II) commands a significant premium over the 1979 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 560 SEC, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198 II) rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.