2009 Land Rover Discovery vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Discovery 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 4,015 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Discovery (209 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 948 kg more than 1997 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 1997 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 (360 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Discovery | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Discovery | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
