1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1972 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1972 Ford GT 40 is newer by 17 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford GT 40 weights approximately 15 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 (144 Nm) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1972 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 100 | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 125 L |
