1971 Austin 3 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 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 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 400 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | S |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
