1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (160 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 358 kg more than 1953 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
