1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 52 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 657 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3000 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
