1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1949 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
