1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2010 BMW 550
To start off, 2010 BMW 550 is newer by 55 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Because 2010 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 465 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 2010 BMW 550 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. 2010 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 2010 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3066 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 70 L |
