2007 Land Rover Defender vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Land Rover Defender is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 484 more horse power than 2007 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 176 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2007 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 698 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Land Rover Defender. (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Land Rover Defender. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2007 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2007 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Land Rover Defender | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Defender | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 144 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2286 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.1 L/100km | 15.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
