1956 Austin A 35 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 35. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 35 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Austin A 35 (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (5 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Austin A 35 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 792 kg more than 1956 Austin A 35.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 35. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 35. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 35 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 35 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 35 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 35 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 946 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 5 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 749 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 60 L |
