1957 Austin A135 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A135 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1957 Austin A135. (148 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 160 kg more than 1957 Austin A135. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A135. (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A135. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin A135 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin A135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A135 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A135 | S |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2890 mm |
