1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 755 kg more than 1961 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, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5025 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
