1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 61 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (475 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 437 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 760 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 550 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 475 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
