1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1997 Buick Century
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 45 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 575 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.
Because 1952 Austin-Healey 100 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1952 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1952 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1952 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | 1997 Buick Century | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Buick |
| Model | 100 | Century |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2780 mm |
