1960 Austin A 55 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 723 kg more than 1960 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 55 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | SL |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
