1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 268 kg more than 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
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, 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ferrari |
| Model | 100 | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 88 L |
