1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2004 BMW 118
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 49 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 12 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 118 weights approximately 534 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, 2004 BMW 118 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 118 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 | 2004 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 17.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 50 L |
