2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 939 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Land Rover Defender.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Defender | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
