1959 Austin A 55 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 930 kg more than 1959 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 55 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
