1959 Austin A 55 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 50 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 345 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | C |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
