1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 19 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 530 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 90 L |
