1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is newer by 43 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (286 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 weights approximately 1034 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (410 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 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 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3150 mm |
