1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 52 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 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 352 kg more than 1953 Austin-Healey 100.
Because 1953 Austin-Healey 100 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 1953 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz A 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | A |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 54 L |
