1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 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 203 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 754 kg more than 1958 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 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 40 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5025 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 90 L |
