1952 AC 2-Litre vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 AC 2-Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 AC 2-Litre would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1952 AC 2-Litre. (76 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1952 AC 2-Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 480 kg more than 1952 AC 2-Litre. 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 (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 443 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 AC 2-Litre. (137 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 AC 2-Litre. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1952 AC 2-Litre has manual transmission. 1952 AC 2-Litre will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 AC 2-Litre | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 2-Litre | SL |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
