1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 56 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 625 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 521 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | C |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 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 |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2766 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
