1955 Austin A 135 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 135 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 375 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 135. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 135 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 135. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 135. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 135 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 135 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 135 | SL |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2570 mm |
