1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1956 BMW 507
To start off, 1956 BMW 507 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 507 weights approximately 403 kg more than 1955 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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 507. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 507.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1956 BMW 507 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 507 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1254 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 110 L |
