1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1985 BMW M6
To start off, 1985 BMW M6 is newer by 30 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 3,451 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M6 weights approximately 654 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, 1985 BMW M6 (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1985 BMW M6 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | M6 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 3451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 70 L |
