1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,404 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 (63 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55.
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 240 (138 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 55 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2404 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2760 mm |
