1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 53 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 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 467 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 900 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 521 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2008 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | S |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3170 mm |
