1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1984 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 3,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 921 kg more than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. 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, 1984 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1984 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sprite | S |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2860 mm |
