Mercedes-Benz 300SL vs Shelby Cobra: specs side by side
Quick comparison from catalog data - no editorial review of this pair yet.
Mercedes-Benz · 1954–1957
300SL W198
- Power
- 158 kW215 PS
- 0–100 km/h
- 9.3 s
- Kerb mass
- 1,295 kg
Shelby · 1962
Cobra
- Power
- 191 kW260 PS
- 0–100 km/h
- -
- Kerb mass
- -
In plain words
Shelby Cobra has more power: 191 kW (260 PS) against 158 kW (215 PS) for Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Mercedes-Benz 300SL is the older design (from 1954); Shelby Cobra arrived in 1962. Our catalog has no 0–100 km/h for the Shelby Cobra yet, so some checks above leave it out.
Full specifications
| Mercedes-Benz 300SL | Shelby Cobra | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Version | 3.0 M198 · petrol · 158 kW (215 PS) | 191 kW (260 PS) |
| Production years | 1954–1957 | 1962 |
| Body | Coupe | Convertible |
| Class | No data | Sports car |
| Country | Germany | United Kingdom |
| Performance | ||
| Power Why it matters: More power means stronger acceleration and easier overtaking, especially with a full load. | 158 kW (215 PS) 212 hp | 191 kW (260 PS) 256 hp Better |
| Power, all versions | 158 kW (215 PS) 212 hp | 191–317 kW (260–431 PS) 256–425 hp |
| Torque Why it matters: Torque is the pulling force you feel when accelerating from low revs, towing or climbing hills. | 275 Nm 203 lb-ft | No data |
| 0–100 km/h Why it matters: A shorter 0–100 km/h time means quicker getaways and safer merging onto fast roads. | 9.3 s | No data |
| Power per tonne | 122 kW/t 148 hp/ton calculated | No data |
| Engine and transmission | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 2,996 cc · 6 cyl 3.0 l | 8 cyl |
| Engine code | M198 | No data |
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual | No data |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | No data |
| Dimensions and weight | ||
| Length | 4,520 mm 178.0 in | No data |
| Width | 1,790 mm 70.5 in | No data |
| Height | 1,300 mm 51.2 in | No data |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm 94.5 in | No data |
| Kerb weight Why it matters: A lighter car is usually more agile and uses less energy. | 1,295 kg 2,855 lb | No data |
| Economy and running costs | ||
| Fuel consumption Why it matters: Lower consumption cuts running costs and CO₂ emissions on every trip. | 17.0 l/100 km 13.8 mpg US | No data |
| Fuel cost per year | €4,460/year estimated | No data |
These cars do not differ in the data we have.
Equal rows hidden (1): Fuel.
Better marks the stronger figure - only for measurable specs (power, torque, 0–100 km/h, consumption, boot, weight).
Estimated at 15,000 km a year with fuel at €1.75/l petrol.