1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 50 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 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (241 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 810 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2860 mm |
