1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 797 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 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lexus |
| Model | 100 | IS |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2731 mm |
