1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 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 @ 5600 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1974 Rover 3.5. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 162 kg more than 1974 Rover 3.5. 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 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Rover 3.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rover |
| Model | SL | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2820 mm |
