1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 35 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 465 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2940 mm |
