1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 60 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 255 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
