1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196
To start off, both 1955 Austin A 55 and 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 were released in the same year (1955). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,497 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 (277 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | W 196 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1955 |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 277 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 720 kg |
