1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 56 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, 2011 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 469 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 2011 BMW 120 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. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| 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 | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 51 L |
