1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1998 BMW 330
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 is newer by 44 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 745 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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 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 | 1998 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2730 mm |
