1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (94 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo weights approximately 711 kg more than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo has automatic transmission and 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite has manual transmission. 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2004 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sprite | Vaneo |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |
