1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 52 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (494 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 453 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 950 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 621 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3090 mm |
