1964 Austin Princess vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Princess would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1964 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 275 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Princess. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1964 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1964 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Princess | SL |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
