1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2001 BMW 320
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 48 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, 2001 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 522 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 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 | 2001 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
