2009 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,394 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Discovery (295 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 1014 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2009 Land Rover Discovery (425 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2009 Land Rover Discovery has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Land Rover Discovery will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Discovery | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Discovery | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4394 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 425 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2704 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 80 L |
