1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2001 BMW 520
To start off, 2001 BMW 520 is newer by 44 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, 2001 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1957 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, 2001 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 2001 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
