1971 Austin 3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 538 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 782 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| 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 | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
