1946 Austin 16 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1946 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1946 Austin 16 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1946 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1946 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1946 Austin 16. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1946 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1946 Austin 16. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1946 Austin 16 has manual transmission. 1946 Austin 16 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1946 Austin 16 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 16 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1946 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
