1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 21 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 894 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sprite | 500 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1608 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2460 mm |
