1955 Austin A 30 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 765 kg more than 1955 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Austin A 30 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 30 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 30 | A |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 54 L |
