1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 63 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), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| 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 | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 90 L |
