1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 585 kg more than 1950 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2950 mm |
