1961 Austin A 55 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1961 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 55 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 55 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 82 L |
