1957 Austin A 40 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 85 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 40. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1957 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 40 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 72 L |
