1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 46 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 1,687 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 550 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.
Because 1958 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz A 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | A |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 54 L |
