1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 22 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 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (219 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 779 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 90 L |
