1966 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1966 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 673 kg more than 1966 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1966 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin A 40 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | B |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 54 L |
