1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 568 kg more than 1952 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 90 L |
