1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 54 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 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 380 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
