1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 61 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A (108 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1864 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.
Because 1950 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz A 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | A |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 127 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
