1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 44 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 357 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 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 | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2450 mm |
