1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2009 BMW 130
To start off, 2009 BMW 130 is newer by 57 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 130 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 130 weights approximately 505 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, 2009 BMW 130 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 130 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 | 2009 BMW 130 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 130 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 88 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2670 mm |
