Italy vs West Germany — 1960 vs 1971
| Flaminia GT Touring 2.5 | 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,458 cc | 4,520 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.0 sec | 8.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,505 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,460 mm |
| Length | 4,700 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,718 | 237,287 |
| Original MSRP | — | $17,660 |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 3/10 |
The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1960 Lancia Flaminia GT Touring 2.5 counters with greater rarity, 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.
When Italy engineering meets West Germany craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1960 Lancia Flaminia GT Touring 2.5 and 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL holds a clear advantage in raw power with 225 hp compared to 140 hp, a 85-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lancia Flaminia uses a V6 OHV displacing 2,458 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL edges ahead at 8.8 seconds versus 11.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,718 units built, the 1960 Lancia Flaminia GT Touring 2.5 is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL's 237,287 examples. On the collector market, the 1960 Lancia Flaminia GT Touring 2.5 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.