1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC
To start off, 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC (105 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC weights approximately 465 kg more than 1955 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, 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | SC |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2830 mm |
