1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1952 BMW 501
To start off, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 BMW 501 weights approximately 337 kg more than 1953 Austin-Healey 100.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 1952 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2840 mm |
