1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 37 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 309 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 916 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | E |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 80 L |
