1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1974 Ford Capri
To start off, 1974 Ford Capri 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Capri (137 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Capri weights approximately 294 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 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 1974 Ford Capri 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. 1974 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1974 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 100 | Capri |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2570 mm |
