1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 32 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 611 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite has manual transmission. 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Sprite | SLK |
Year Released | 1964 | 1996 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2295 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 84 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1325 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |