1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 21 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 301 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2800 mm |
