1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 60 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, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 845 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2968 mm |
