1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Dodge Durango
To start off, 2012 Dodge Durango is newer by 16 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Dodge Durango. (360 HP @ 5150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Dodge Durango. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Durango weights approximately 278 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 2012 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 2012 Dodge Durango.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Dodge Durango | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
| Model | SL | Durango |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5150 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 2328 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1801 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3043 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 93 L |
