1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 48 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1196 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 732 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 90 L |
