1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 55 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 400 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (299 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2431 mm |
