1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
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, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 100 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
