1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Omega
To start off, 1981 Oldsmobile Omega is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Austin-Healey 100 (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Omega. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Omega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Omega weights approximately 10 kg more than 1957 Austin-Healey 100.
Because 1957 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 1957 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Oldsmobile Omega, 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, 1981 Oldsmobile Omega (183 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Omega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. 1981 Oldsmobile Omega has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Omega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 1981 Oldsmobile Omega | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 100 | Omega |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
