1956 Austin A 90 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 90. (85 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 90 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 90. (168 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 90 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 90 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 64 L |
