Germany vs Germany — 2022 vs 1936
| AMG ONE | 540K Special Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1,063 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | — | 380 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,599 cc | 5,401 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 2.9 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 219 mph | 106 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 9.7 sec | — |
| Weight | 3,737 lbs | 5,071 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,710 mm | 3,290 mm |
| Length | 4,755 mm | 5,290 mm |
| Units Produced | 275 | 419 |
| Original MSRP | $2,720,000 | $14,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $5,000,000 | $18,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
On balance, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG ONE makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster counters with its own distinct appeal, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG ONE for outright capability, or the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Mercedes-Benz has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG ONE with the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG ONE holds a clear advantage in raw power with 1063 hp compared to 180 hp, a 883-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz AMG ONE uses a Hybrid: V6 Turbo + 4 Electric Motors (F1-derived) displacing 1,599 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz 540K relies on a Inline-8 Supercharged with 5,401 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG ONE edges ahead at 2.9 seconds versus 16.0 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz AMG ONE carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1334 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.