1965 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1408 kg more than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender 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, 2012 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Land Rover |
| Model | SL | Defender |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
