1961 Land Rover A 109 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Land Rover A 109. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Land Rover A 109 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP) has 309 more horse power than 1961 Land Rover A 109. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Land Rover A 109. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 300 kg more than 1961 Land Rover A 109. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Land Rover A 109 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Land Rover A 109 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 423 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Land Rover A 109. (157 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Land Rover A 109. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1961 Land Rover A 109 has manual transmission. 1961 Land Rover A 109 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Land Rover A 109 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 109 | SL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2286 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 376 HP |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2070 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2520 mm |
