1954 Austin A 30 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1089 kg more than 1954 Austin A 30. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 30 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 30 | SL |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
