2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser weights approximately 165 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Land Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2740 mm |
