1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1979 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1979 Ford Mustang is newer by 24 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 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Mustang weights approximately 369 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (209 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1979 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 100 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 3273 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2560 mm |
