1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 755 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 55 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:
1955 Austin A 55 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | A 55 | SL |
Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 204 HP |
Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2520 mm |