1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 51 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (240 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1410 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.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (616 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 548 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 616 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
