Germany vs West Germany — 1972 vs 1971
| 350 SL R107 | 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 211 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,499 cc | 4,520 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.8 sec | 8.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 134 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.7 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,461 lbs | 3,505 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,460 mm | 2,460 mm |
| Length | 4,390 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Units Produced | 15,304 | 237,287 |
| Original MSRP | $12,950 | $17,660 |
| Value (Excellent) | $85,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL R107 brings higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL answers with more power, quicker acceleration. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL. The 1972 and 1971 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL holds a clear advantage in raw power with 225 hp compared to 200 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL R107 450 SL edges ahead at 8.8 seconds versus 8.8 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 15,304 units built, the 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL R107 is considerably scarcer than the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL / 450 SL's 237,287 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.