1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 308 kg more than 1954 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, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 64 L |
