1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1971 Jensen SP
To start off, 1971 Jensen SP is newer by 16 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 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen SP is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jensen SP (385 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jensen SP should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen SP weights approximately 932 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, 1971 Jensen SP (557 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Jensen SP will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 1971 Jensen SP 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. 1971 Jensen SP will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1971 Jensen SP | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Jensen |
| Model | 100 | SP |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 7206 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 557 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 109.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1783 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 75 L |
