1971 Jensen Interceptor vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Jensen Interceptor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jensen Interceptor would be higher. At 6,286 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen Interceptor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1971 Jensen Interceptor. (300 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Jensen Interceptor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 236 kg more than 1971 Jensen Interceptor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Jensen Interceptor. (556 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Jensen Interceptor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jensen Interceptor | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jensen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Interceptor | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6286 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 108 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
