1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1974 BMW 2.8
To start off, 1974 BMW 2.8 is newer by 19 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 3,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 2.8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 2.8 (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 2.8 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 2.8 weights approximately 689 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, 1974 BMW 2.8 (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 2.8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1974 BMW 2.8 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 2.8 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 3293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2800 mm |
