1971 Austin 3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (142 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 129 kg more than 1971 Austin 3. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2460 mm |
