1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 64 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (409 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 640 kg more than 1949 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (540 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 8 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 409 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4146 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
