1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 49 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 695 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (299 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
