1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1955 Austin A 55 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 3,208 cc (6 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (78 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 795 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. 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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (223 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 3208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3310 mm |
