1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 685 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3430 mm |
