1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1980 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1980 Ford Fairlane is newer by 25 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 553 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, 1980 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 1980 Ford Fairlane 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. 1980 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1980 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
| Model | 100 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2950 mm |
