2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 778 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Defender | G |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2860 mm |
