1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton
To start off, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (47 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton weights approximately 496 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite.
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, 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1955 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sprite | Ponton |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2660 mm |
