1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 53 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, 2008 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 544 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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 63 L |
