1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1975 BMW 315
To start off, 1975 BMW 315 is newer by 22 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, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1975 BMW 315. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 315. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 315 weights approximately 62 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. Let's talk about torque, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 315. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1953 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 315.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 1975 BMW 315 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 315 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1574 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 154 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2510 mm |
