1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1959 Austin A 55. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (231 Nm) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 55 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2870 mm |
