1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 57 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1275 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 556 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | CL |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 90 L |
