1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 31 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 570 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3080 mm |
