1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 410 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.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 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 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
