1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 56 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, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 525 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 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 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2730 mm |
