Germany vs West Germany — 1973 vs 1971
| CD 5.4 V8 | 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,354 cc | 4,520 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 sec | 8.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 134 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,373 lbs | 3,505 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,668 mm | 2,460 mm |
| Length | 4,740 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Units Produced | 395 | 237,287 |
| Original MSRP | $42,000 | $17,660 |
| Value (Excellent) | $150,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 3/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1973 Bitter CD 5.4 V8 offers higher top speed, greater rarity, while the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL counters with quicker acceleration, better value. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
When Germany engineering meets West Germany craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1973 Bitter CD 5.4 V8 and 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1973 Bitter CD 5.4 V8 producing 230 hp and the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL delivering 225 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bitter CD uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,354 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 9.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 395 units built, the 1973 Bitter CD 5.4 V8 is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL's 237,287 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Bitter CD 5.4 V8 commands a significant premium over the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.