1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is newer by 17 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 2,658 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 weights approximately 499 kg more than 1955 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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (186 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 65 L |
