1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 37 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, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 252 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 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 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
