1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 28 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 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 589 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. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 90 L |
