1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 898 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Land Rover |
Model | SL | Defender |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2402 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 204 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 360 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 94.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 17.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 2708 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4650 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2030 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 2030 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2800 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |