1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 33 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 600 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2850 mm |
