1959 Austin A 99 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 99 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 99. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1959 Austin A 99. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 99. (224 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 99. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin A 99 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin A 99 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 99 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 99 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 90 L |
