1971 Austin 3 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 28 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
