1951 Austin A 70 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 538 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 840 kg more than 1951 Austin A 70. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 843 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 70. (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 70 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 70 | SL |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 80 L |
