1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (204 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2860 mm |
