1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 519 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Because 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 100 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 55 L |
