1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 28 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 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 370 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2525 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
