1952 Austin Princess vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1952 Austin Princess. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin Princess weights approximately 126 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin Princess. (287 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin Princess. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1952 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1952 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin Princess | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Princess | SL |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
