1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1976 Fiat 130
To start off, 1976 Fiat 130 is newer by 21 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 3,238 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Fiat 130 (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Fiat 130 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Fiat 130 weights approximately 625 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, 1976 Fiat 130 (255 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 1976 Fiat 130 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. 1976 Fiat 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1976 Fiat 130 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | 100 | 130 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 3238 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 80 L |
