1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1989 Ferrari 348
To start off, 1989 Ferrari 348 is newer by 35 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 3,405 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 520 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, 1989 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Ferrari 348 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 | 1989 Ferrari 348 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ferrari |
| Model | 100 | 348 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 3405 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2460 mm |
