1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1957 Austin-Healey 100 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 173 kg more than 1957 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, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 100 L |
