1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 26 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 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1952 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 100 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
