2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 1974 Rover 3.5. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 237 kg more than 1974 Rover 3.5. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Rover 3.5. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Rover 3.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rover |
| Model | SL | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2820 mm |
