1959 Austin A 90 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 90. (102 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1959 Austin A 90. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 90. (214 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 90. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Austin A 90 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | A 90 | 280 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 102 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 214 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2940 mm |