1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 800 kg more than 1959 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Austin A 40 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | A 40 | 280 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 997 cc | 2744 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 34 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 68 Nm | 238 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2830 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 90 L |