1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 54 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 455 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1165 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 721 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 88 L |
