1957 Austin A 55 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 715 kg more than 1957 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 55. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin A 55 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 55 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | S |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3090 mm |
