1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 21 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (119 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 95 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.
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, 1975 Lancia Beta, 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta 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 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lancia |
| Model | 100 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2360 mm |
