1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 35 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 354 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1419 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 502 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 80 L |
