1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 437 kg more than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 100 L |
