2006 Land Rover Defender vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Land Rover Defender is newer by 8 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 430 kg more than 2006 Land Rover Defender. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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, 2006 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Land Rover Defender. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2006 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2006 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:
| 2006 Land Rover Defender | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Defender | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
