1973 Rover P5B vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover P5B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover P5B would be higher. At 3,526 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Rover P5B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Rover P5B (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Rover P5B should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1240 kg more than 1973 Rover P5B.
Because 1973 Rover P5B 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 1973 Rover P5B. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1973 Rover P5B (295 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Rover P5B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 1973 Rover P5B has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Rover P5B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Rover P5B | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | P5B | A |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 3526 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2570 mm |
