1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 59 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 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 445 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.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B, 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz B (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz B 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 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | B |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 54 L |
