1967 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 42 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 651 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sprite | A |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 54 L |
