1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 392 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 830 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 657 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | SL |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
