1964 Austin Princess vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 48 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 399 more horse power than 1964 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 241 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Princess. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Princess | SL |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
