1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1995 BMW 317
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 43 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, 1995 BMW 317 (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 317 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 270 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, 1995 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 317 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 | 1995 BMW 317 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 317 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
