1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1963 Rover P5
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Rover P5 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1963 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1963 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 49 kg more than 1963 Rover P5. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Rover P5. (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Rover P5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1963 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rover |
| Model | SL | P5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
