1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1974 Honda 145
To start off, 1974 Honda 145 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 2,658 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1974 Honda 145. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Honda 145 weights approximately 73 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Because 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda 145, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda 145. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1974 Honda 145 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Honda |
| Model | 100 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1433 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2260 mm |
