1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1959 Berkeley B 95
To start off, 1959 Berkeley B 95 is newer by 5 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 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B 95. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B 95. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 582 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B 95. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B 95, 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, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B 95. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B 95.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1959 Berkeley B 95 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Berkeley |
| Model | 100 | B 95 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 690 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1280 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 1780 mm |
