1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 60 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 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 534 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 632 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 565 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SLS |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1261 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2680 mm |
