1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 580 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 855 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 700 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 97 L |
