1971 Rover P5B vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover P5B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover P5B would be higher. At 3,528 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Rover P5B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1971 Rover P5B. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Rover P5B.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Rover P5B. (296 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Rover P5B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Rover P5B | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | P5B | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Size | 3528 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2560 mm |
