1989 Austin Montego vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Austin Montego would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1989 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 690 kg more than 1989 Austin Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Austin Montego, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Austin Montego. (134 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Austin Montego. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1989 Austin Montego has manual transmission. 1989 Austin Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Austin Montego | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Montego | SL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
