1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 would be higher. At 2,911 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (165 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 377 kg more than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. 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, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2950 mm |
