1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 45 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (220 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 545 kg more than 1954 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (312 Nm) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2830 mm |
