1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1970 Chrysler Centura
To start off, 1970 Chrysler Centura is newer by 16 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, 1970 Chrysler Centura (118 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Chrysler Centura should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chrysler Centura weights approximately 170 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, 1970 Chrysler Centura (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1970 Chrysler Centura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 1970 Chrysler Centura has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Chrysler Centura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1970 Chrysler Centura | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Chrysler |
| Model | 100 | Centura |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2680 mm |
