1952 Austin A vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 1952 Austin A. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A weights approximately 190 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A. (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A | SL |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2585 mm |
