1959 Austin A 135 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 135 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 135. (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 135. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin A 135 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin A 135 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:
| 1959 Austin A 135 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 135 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
