1951 Austin A vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 59 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 640 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 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. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 2010 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A | A |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 95 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
