1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1998 Honda NSX
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 45 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 482 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, 1998 Honda NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. 1998 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1953 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1953 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 1998 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Honda |
| Model | 100 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
