1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1120 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 392 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 40 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 80 L |
