1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1999 BMW 318
To start off, 1999 BMW 318 is newer by 44 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 18 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 594 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1999 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 63 L |
