1996 Rover 800 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Rover 800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 800 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1996 Rover 800. (174 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 800.
Because 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 800. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Rover 800 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 800 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2560 mm |
