1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Dodge Durango
To start off, 2011 Dodge Durango is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 16 more horse power than 2011 Dodge Durango. (360 HP @ 5150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Dodge Durango. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Durango weights approximately 528 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Durango. (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Durango.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Dodge Durango | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
| Model | SL | Durango |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5150 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 2328 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1925 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3043 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 93 L |
