1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 96 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. 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 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 65 L |
