1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1976 Lancia Beta is newer by 23 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, 1976 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Lancia Beta weights approximately 92 kg more than 1953 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, 1976 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Lancia Beta 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 | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lancia |
| Model | 100 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 59 L |
