1960 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 505 kg more than 1960 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 SLK (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 40 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
