1962 Austin Princess vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin Princess would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1962 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin Princess weights approximately 570 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin Princess. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1962 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1962 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin Princess | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Princess | SLK |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
