1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1984 BMW 318
To start off, 1984 BMW 318 is newer by 29 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 29 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 318 weights approximately 149 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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1984 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 55 L |
