1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1951 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 90 L |
