1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2005 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 is newer by 50 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 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 123 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, 2005 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota MR2 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 | 2005 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Toyota |
| Model | 100 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 48 L |
