1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (231 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 930 kg more than 1961 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, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (268 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 268 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
