1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 581 kg more than 1964 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sprite | 280 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 64 L |
