1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 47 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 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 440 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | C |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 85.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
