1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2009 BMW 740
To start off, 2009 BMW 740 is newer by 55 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 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 740 (302 HP) has 212 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 740 weights approximately 1040 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, 2009 BMW 740 (390 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 2009 BMW 740 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. 2009 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 2009 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 302 HP |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3140 mm |
