1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 48 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 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 820 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2003 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | S |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2890 mm |
