1963 Austin Princess vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (182 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1963 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin Princess weights approximately 745 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, 1963 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1963 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1963 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1963 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:
| 1963 Austin Princess | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Princess | SLK |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
