1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 31 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 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1050 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2950 mm |
