1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 404 kg more than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 100 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2940 mm |
