1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1969 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1969 Pontiac GTO is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 6,549 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Pontiac GTO (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 455 kg more than 1952 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, 1969 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 459 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1969 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | 1969 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Pontiac |
| Model | 100 | GTO |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 6549 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2950 mm |
