1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1998 BMW 323
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 43 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, 1998 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 696 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, 1998 BMW 323 (246 Nm) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 323 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 | 1998 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
