1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1955 Jaguar MK VII
To start off, 1955 Jaguar MK VII is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Jaguar MK VII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Jaguar MK VII (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Jaguar MK VII should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Jaguar MK VII weights approximately 824 kg more than 1954 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, 1955 Jaguar MK VII (275 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Jaguar MK VII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1955 Jaguar MK VII | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Jaguar |
| Model | 100 | MK VII |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3050 mm |
