1958 Austin A135 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Austin A135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1958 Austin A135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A135 weights approximately 484 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
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, 1958 Austin A135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 Austin A135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A135 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A135 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A135 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 90 L |
