1968 Austin 3-Litre vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Austin 3-Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Austin 3-Litre would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. (124 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 465 kg more than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (701 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Austin 3-Litre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Austin 3-Litre | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3-Litre | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
