1948 Austin 16 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin 16 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (494 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 431 more horse power than 1948 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 670 kg more than 1948 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 554 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin 16 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 16 | S |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
