1949 Austin 16 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1949 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin 16 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Because 1949 Austin 16 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1949 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1949 Austin 16 (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (140 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1949 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin 16 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 16 | A |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
