1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 59 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 18 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
Because 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 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 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | 100 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 35 L |
