1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 870 kg more than 1951 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 391 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SL |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
