1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 787 kg more than 1958 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 350 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 65.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2470 mm |
