1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1978 Renault 5
To start off, 1978 Renault 5 is newer by 23 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, 1978 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 5 weights approximately 121 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 (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1978 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Renault |
| Model | 100 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 56 L |
