1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 56 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (451 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 400 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 600 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 490 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | C |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 451 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2766 mm |
