1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 41 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 338 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1185 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | S |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2890 mm |
