1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 54 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, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 584 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2009 |
| 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 | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 63 L |
