1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1966 Mercury Cyclone
To start off, 1966 Mercury Cyclone is newer by 11 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 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Cyclone is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Cyclone (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Cyclone should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Cyclone weights approximately 687 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, 1966 Mercury Cyclone (579 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Cyclone will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 1966 Mercury Cyclone has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Mercury Cyclone will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1966 Mercury Cyclone | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercury |
| Model | 100 | Cyclone |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 579 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2950 mm |
