1959 Austin A 55 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 45 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 563 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 648 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm) has 712 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 617 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 98 L |
